Simian subfamily C adenoviruses SAdV-40, -31, and -34 and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

A recombinant vector comprises simian adenovirus SAdV-31 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences. A cell line which expresses simian adenovirus SAdV-31 gene(s) is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. 371 of PCT/US2008/013067, filed on Nov. 24, 2008 which claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/004,568, No. 61/004,496, No. 61/004,465, all filed on Nov. 28, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Adenovirus is a double-stranded DNA virus with a genome size of about 36 kilobases (kb), which has been widely used for gene transfer applications due to its ability to achieve highly efficient gene transfer in a variety of target tissues and large transgene capacity. Conventionally, E1 genes of adenovirus are deleted and replaced with a transgene cassette consisting of the promoter of choice, cDNA sequence of the gene of interest and a poly A signal, resulting in a replication defective recombinant virus.

Adenoviruses have a characteristic morphology with an icosahedral capsid consisting of three major proteins, hexon (II), penton base (III) and a knobbed fibre (IV), along with a number of other minor proteins, VI, VIII, IX, IIIa and IVa2 [W. C. Russell, J. Gen Virol., 81:2573-3704 (November 2000)]. The virus genome is a linear, double-stranded DNA with a terminal protein attached covalently to the 5′ terminus, which have inverted terminal repeats (ITRs). The virus DNA is intimately associated with the highly basic protein VII and a small peptide pX (formerly termed mu). Another protein, V, is packaged with this DNA-protein complex and provides a structural link to the capsid via protein VI. The virus also contains a virus-encoded protease, which is necessary for processing of some of the structural proteins to produce mature infectious virus.

A classification scheme has been developed for the Mastadenovirus family, which includes human, simian, bovine, equine, porcine, ovine, canine and opossum adenoviruses. This classification scheme was developed based on the differing abilities of the adenovirus sequences in the family to agglutinate red blood cells. The result was six subgroups, now referred to as subgroups A, B, C, D, E and F. See, T. Shenk et al., Adenoviridae: The Viruses and their Replication”, Ch. 67, in FIELD'S VIROLOGY, 6^(th) Ed., edited by B. N Fields et al, (Lippincott Raven Publishers, Philadelphia, 1996), p. 111-2112.

Recombinant adenoviruses have been described for delivery of heterologous molecules to host cells. See, U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,716, which describes the genome of two chimpanzee adenoviruses. Simian adenoviruses, C5, C6 and C7, have been described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,247,472 as being useful as vaccine vectors. Other chimpanzee adenoviruses are described in WO 2005/1071093 as being useful for making adenovirus vaccine carriers.

What is needed in the art are vectors which effectively deliver molecules to a target and minimize the effect of pre-existing immunity to selected adenovirus serotypes in the population.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Isolated nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences of three novel simian adenoviruses within subfamily C and vectors containing these sequences are provided herein. Also provided are a number of methods for using the vectors and cells described herein. These adenoviruses include SAdV-40, SAdV-31 and SAdV-34.

The methods described herein involve delivering one or more selected heterologous gene(s) to a mammalian patient by administering a vector described herein. Use of the compositions described herein for vaccination permits presentation of a selected antigen for the elicitation of protective immune responses. The vectors based on these simian adenoviruses may also be used for producing heterologous gene products in vitro. Such gene products are themselves useful in a variety for a variety of purposes such as are described herein.

These and other embodiments and advantages are described in more detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Novel nucleic acid and amino acid sequences from simian adenovirus 40, SAdV-31 and SAdV-34, all of which were isolated from chimpanzee feces, are provided.

Also provided are novel adenovirus vectors and packaging cell lines to produce vector based on these sequences for use in the in vitro production of recombinant proteins or fragments or other reagents. Further provided are compositions for use in delivering a heterologous molecule for therapeutic or vaccine purposes. Such therapeutic or vaccine compositions contain the adenoviral vectors carrying an inserted heterologous molecule. In addition, the novel SAdV sequences are useful in providing the essential helper functions required for production of recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. Thus, helper constructs, methods and cell lines which use these sequences in such production methods, are provided.

Since these viruses are from subgroup C, the capsids of these viruses (optionally an intact or recombinant viral particle or an empty capsid) are useful in method of inducing an immunomodulatory effect or enhanced immune response by delivering an adenovirus subgroup C capsid to subject. The SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 capsid can be delivered alone or in a combination regimen with an active agent to enhance the immune response thereto. In another aspect, a method of inducing interferon alpha production in a subject in need thereof comprising delivering the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 capsid to a subject is provided. In still another aspect, a method for producing one or more cytokines in culture is provided. This method involves incubating a culture containing dendritic cells and the SAdV capsid described herein under conditions suitable to produce cytokines/chemokines, including, alpha interferon, among others.

The term “substantial homology” or “substantial similarity,” when referring to a nucleic acid or fragment thereof, indicates that, when optimally aligned with appropriate nucleotide insertions or deletions with another nucleic acid (or its complementary strand), there is nucleotide sequence identity in at least about 95 to 99% of the aligned sequences.

The term “substantial homology” or “substantial similarity,” when referring to amino acids or fragments thereof, indicates that, when optimally aligned with appropriate amino acid insertions or deletions with another amino acid (or its complementary strand), there is amino acid sequence identity in at least about 95 to 99% of the aligned sequences. Preferably, the homology is over full-length sequence, or a protein thereof, or a fragment thereof which is at least 8 amino acids, or more desirably, at least 15 amino acids in length. Examples of suitable fragments are described herein.

The term “percent sequence identity” or “identical” in the context of nucleic acid sequences refers to the residues in the two sequences that are the same when aligned for maximum correspondence. Where gaps are required to align one sequence with another, the degree of scoring is calculated with respect to the longer sequence without penalty for gaps. Sequences that preserve the functionality of the polynucleotide or a polypeptide encoded thereby are more closely identical. The length of sequence identity comparison may be over the full-length of the genome (e.g., about 36 kbp), the full-length of an open reading frame of a gene, protein, subunit, or enzyme [see, e.g., the tables providing the adenoviral coding regions], or a fragment of at least about 500 to 5000 nucleotides, is desired. However, identity among smaller fragments, e.g. of at least about nine nucleotides, usually at least about 20 to 24 nucleotides, at least about 28 to 32 nucleotides, at least about 36 or more nucleotides, may also be desired. Similarly, “percent sequence identity” may be readily determined for amino acid sequences, over the full-length of a protein, or a fragment thereof. Suitably, a fragment is at least about 8 amino acids in length, and may be up to about 700 amino acids. Examples of suitable fragments are described herein.

Identity is readily determined using such algorithms and computer programs as are defined herein at default settings. Preferably, such identity is over the full length of the protein, enzyme, subunit, or over a fragment of at least about 8 amino acids in length. However, identity may be based upon shorter regions, where suited to the use to which the identical gene product is being put.

As described herein, alignments are performed using any of a variety of publicly or commercially available Multiple Sequence Alignment Programs, such as “Clustal W”, accessible through Web Servers on the internet. Alternatively, Vector NTI® utilities [InVitrogen] are also used. There are also a number of algorithms known in the art that can be used to measure nucleotide sequence identity, including those contained in the programs described above. As another example, polynucleotide sequences can be compared using Fasta, a program in GCG Version 6.1. Fasta provides alignments and percent sequence identity of the regions of the best overlap between the query and search sequences. For instance, percent sequence identity between nucleic acid sequences can be determined using Fasta with its default parameters (a word size of 6 and the NOPAM factor for the scoring matrix) as provided in GCG Version 6.1, herein incorporated by reference. Similarly programs are available for performing amino acid alignments. Generally, these programs are used at default settings, although one of skill in the art can alter these settings as needed. Alternatively, one of skill in the art can utilize another algorithm or computer program that provides at least the level of identity or alignment as that provided by the referenced algorithms and programs.

“Recombinant”, as applied to a polynucleotide, means that the polynucleotide is the product of various combinations of cloning, restriction or ligation steps, and other procedures that result in a construct that is distinct from a polynucleotide found in nature. A recombinant virus is a viral particle comprising a recombinant polynucleotide. The terms respectively include replicates of the original polynucleotide construct and progeny of the original virus construct.

“Heterologous” means derived from a genotypically distinct entity from that of the rest of the entity to which it is being compared. For example, a polynucleotide introduced by genetic engineering techniques into a plasmid or vector derived from a different species is a heterologous polynucleotide. A promoter removed from its native coding sequence and operatively linked to a coding sequence with which it is not naturally found linked is a heterologous promoter. A site-specific recombination site that has been cloned into a genome of a virus or viral vector, wherein the genome of the virus does not naturally contain it, is a heterologous recombination site. When a polynucleotide with an encoding sequence for a recombinase is used to genetically alter a cell that does not normally express the recombinase, both the polynucleotide and the recombinase are heterologous to the cell.

As used throughout this specification and the claims, the term “comprise” and its variants including, “comprises”, “comprising”, among other variants, is inclusive of other components, elements, integers, steps and the like. The term “consists of” or “consisting of” are exclusive of other components, elements, integers, steps and the like.

I. The Simian Adenovirus Sequences

Nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences of simian Adenovirus 40 (SAdV-40), SAdV-31 or SAdV-34, which is isolated from the other material with which they are associated in nature, are described herein.

A. Nucleic Acid Sequences

-   -   The SAdV-40 nucleic acid sequences provided herein include         nucleotides 1 to 37718 of SEQ ID NO: 1. The SAdV-31 nucleic acid         sequences provided herein include nucleotides 1 to 37828 of SEQ         ID NO: 32. The SAdV-34 nucleic acid sequences provided herein         include nucleotides 1 to 37799 of SEQ ID NO: 63. See, Sequence         Listing, which is incorporated by reference herein.     -   In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequences further encompass         the strand which is complementary to the sequences of SEQ ID NO:         1, 32, or 63, respectively, as well as the RNA and cDNA         sequences corresponding to the sequences of the following         sequences and their complementary strands. In another         embodiment, the nucleic acid sequences further encompass         sequences which are greater than 98.5% identical, and         preferably, greater than about 99% identical, to the Sequence         Listing. Also included in one embodiment, are natural variants         and engineered modifications of the sequences provided in SEQ ID         NO: 1, 32, or 63 and their complementary strands. Such         modifications include, for example, labels that are known in the         art, methylation, and substitution of one or more of the         naturally occurring nucleotides with a degenerate nucleotide.

SAdV-40 ORF SAdV-31 ORF SAdV-34 ORF Regions SEQ ID NO: 1 SEQ ID NO: 32 SEQ ID NO: 63 ITR  1 . . . 113  1 . . . 121  1 . . . 119 E1a 13S Join Join Join 12S 589 . . . 1129, 586 . . . 1126, 589 . . . 1129, 9S 1243 . . . 1541 1250 . . . 1551 1242 . . . 1540 E1b Small T/19K 1641 . . . 2276 1728 . . . 2288 1640 . . . 2275 Large T/55K 2021 . . . 3541 2033 . . . 3553 2020 . . . 3540 IX 3640 . . . 4098 3655 . . . 4116 3637 . . . 4101 E2b pTP Complement Complement Complement (8652 . . . 10652, (8670 . . . 10664, (8649 . . . 10649, 14211 . . . 14219) 14224 . . . 14232) 14212 . . . 14220) Polymerase Complement Complement Complement (5269 . . . 8850, (5287 . . . 8868, (5272 . . . 8847, 14211 . . . 14219) 14224 . . . 14232) 14212 . . . 14220) IVa2 Complement Complement Complement (4163 . . . 5496, (4181 . . . 5514, (4166 . . . 5499, 5775 . . . 5787) 5793 . . . 5805) 5778 . . . 5790) L1 52/55D 11105 . . . 12361 11118 . . . 12377 11102 . . . 12358 IIIa 12388 . . . 14160 12404 . . . 14167 12385 . . . 14160 L2 Penton 14256 . . . 16034 14272 . . . 16038 14185 . . . 16035 VII 16052 . . . 16645 06062 . . . 16655 16053 . . . 16646 V 16721 . . . 17833 16721 . . . 17839 16772 . . . 17843 pX 17861 . . . 18103 17868 . . . 18110 17862 . . . 18104 L3 VI 18202 . . . 18954 18207 . . . 18965 18197 . . . 18949 Hexon 19069 . . . 21948 19077 . . . 21938 19064 . . . 21937 Endoprotease 21981 . . . 22607 21974 . . . 22603 21970 . . . 22596 E2a DBF Complement Complement Complement (22727 . . . 24376) (22728 . . . 24395) (22713 . . . 24362) L4 100 kD 24414 . . . 26915 24433 . . . 26928 24400 . . . 26901 33 kD Join Join Join homolog 26611 . . . 26940, 26627 . . . 26953, 26597 . . . 26926, 27215 . . . 27529 27249 . . . 27545 27180 . . . 27515 22 kD 26611 . . . 27207 26627 . . . 27220 26597 . . . 27193 VIII 27607 . . . 28287 27623 . . . 28303 27593 . . . 28273 E3 12.5K 28291 . . . 28605 28307 . . . 28621 28277 . . . 28591 CR1-alpha 28586 . . . 29125 28602 . . . 29141 28572 . . . 29111 gp19K 29303 . . . 29797 29319 . . . 29816 29211 . . . 29783 CR1-beta 29829 . . . 30722 29848 . . . 30720 29815 . . . 30693 CR1-gamma 30722 . . . 31561 30720 . . . 31559 30693 . . . 31541 RID-alpha 31576 . . . 31845 31574 . . . 31843 31556 . . . 31825 RID-beta 31851 . . . 32246 31849 . . . 32244 31831 . . . 32226 14.7K 32242 . . . 32625 32240 . . . 32623 32222 . . . 32605 L5 Fiber 32834 . . . 34462 32799 . . . 34566 32760 . . . 34547 E4 Orf6/7 Complement Complement Complement (34673 . . . 34945, (34785 . . . 35057, (34758 . . . 35030, 35648 . . . 35830) 35760 . . . 35942) 35733 . . . 35888) Orf6 Complement Complement Complement (34949 . . . 35830) (35061 . . . 35942) (35034 . . . 35888) Orf4 Complement Complement Complement (35733 . . . 36095) (35845 . . . 36207) (35818 . . . 36180) Orf3 Complement Complement Complement (36115 . . . 36459) (36224 . . . 36568) (36200 . . . 36544) Orf2 Complement Complement Complement (36459 . . . 36848) (36568 . . . 36957) (36544 . . . 36993) Orf1 Complement Complement Complement (36908 . . . 37291) (37019 . . . 37402) (36989 . . . 37372) ITR Complement Complement Complement (37600 . . . 37718) (37708 . . . 37828) (37681 . . . 37799)

-   -   In one embodiment, fragments of the sequences of SAdV-40,         SAdV-31 or SAdV-34, and their complementary strand, cDNA and RNA         complementary thereto are provided. Suitable fragments are at         least 15 nucleotides in length, and encompass functional         fragments, i.e., fragments which are of biological interest. For         example, a functional fragment can express a desired adenoviral         product or may be useful in production of recombinant viral         vectors. Such fragments include the gene sequences and fragments         listed in the table herein. The table provides the transcript         regions and open reading frames in the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or         SAdV-34 sequences. For certain genes, the transcripts and open         reading frames (ORFs) are located on the strand complementary to         that presented in SEQ ID NO: 1, 32, or 63. See, e.g., E2b, E4         and E2a. The calculated molecular weights of the encoded         proteins are also shown. Note that the E1a open reading frame of         SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 and the E2b open reading frame         contain internal splice sites. These splice sites are noted in         the table above.     -   The SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 adenoviral nucleic acid         sequences are useful as therapeutic agents and in construction         of a variety of vector systems and host cells. As used herein, a         vector includes any suitable nucleic acid molecule including,         naked DNA, a plasmid, a virus, a cosmid, or an episome. These         sequences and products may be used alone or in combination with         other adenoviral sequences or fragments, or in combination with         elements from other adenoviral or non-adenoviral sequences. The         SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 sequences are also useful as         antisense delivery vectors, gene therapy vectors, or vaccine         vectors. Thus, further provided are nucleic acid molecules, gene         delivery vectors, and host cells which contain the SAdV-40,         SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 sequences.     -   For example, a nucleic acid molecule containing simian Ad ITR         sequences described herein is provided. In another example, a         nucleic acid molecule containing simian Ad sequences described         herein encoding a desired Ad gene product is provided. Still         other nucleic acid molecules constructed using the sequences         described herein will be readily apparent to one of skill in the         art, in view of the information provided herein.     -   In one embodiment, the simian Ad gene regions identified herein         may be used in a variety of vectors for delivery of a         heterologous molecule to a cell. For example, vectors are         generated for expression of an adenoviral capsid protein (or         fragment thereof) for purposes of generating a viral vector in a         packaging host cell. Such vectors may be designed for expression         in trans. Alternatively, such vectors are designed to provide         cells which stably contain sequences which express desired         adenoviral functions, e.g., one or more of E1a, E1 b, the         terminal repeat sequences, E2a, E2b, E4, E4ORF6 region.

In addition, the adenoviral gene sequences and fragments thereof are useful for providing the helper functions necessary for production of helper-dependent viruses (e.g., adenoviral vectors deleted of essential functions, or adeno-associated viruses (AAV)). For such production methods, the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 sequences can be utilized in such a method in a manner similar to those described for the human Ad. However, due to the differences in sequences between the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 sequences and those of human Ad, the use of the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 sequences greatly minimize or eliminate the possibility of homologous recombination with helper functions in a host cell carrying human Ad E1 functions, e.g., 293 cells, which may produce infectious adenoviral contaminants during rAAV production.

-   -   Methods of producing rAAV using adenoviral helper functions have         been described at length in the literature with human adenoviral         serotypes. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,595 and the references         cited therein. See, also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,982; WO 99/14354;         WO 99/15685; WO 99/47691. These methods may also be used in         production of non-human serotype AAV, including non-human         primate AAV serotypes. The SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 sequences         which provide the necessary helper functions (e.g., E1a, E1 b,         E2a and/or E4 ORF6) can be particularly useful in providing the         necessary adenoviral function while minimizing or eliminating         the possibility of recombination with any other adenoviruses         present in the rAAV-packaging cell which are typically of human         origin. Thus, selected genes or open reading frames of the         SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 sequences may be utilized in these         rAAV production methods.     -   Alternatively, recombinant SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 vectors         may be utilized in these methods. Such recombinant adenoviral         simian vectors may include, e.g., a hybrid chimp Ad/AAV in which         chimp Ad sequences flank a rAAV expression cassette composed of,         e.g., AAV 3′ and/or 5′ ITRs and a transgene under the control of         regulatory sequences which control its expression. One of skill         in the art will recognize that still other simian adenoviral         vectors and/or SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 gene sequences will         be useful for production of rAAV and other viruses dependent         upon adenoviral helper.     -   In still another embodiment, nucleic acid molecules are designed         for delivery and expression of selected adenoviral gene products         in a host cell to achieve a desired physiologic effect. For         example, a nucleic acid molecule containing sequences encoding         an SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 E1a protein may be delivered to a         subject for use as a cancer therapeutic. Optionally, such a         molecule is formulated in a lipid-based carrier and         preferentially targets cancer cells. Such a formulation may be         combined with other cancer therapeutics (e.g., cisplatin, taxol,         or the like). Still other uses for the adenoviral sequences         provided herein will be readily apparent to one of skill in the         art.     -   In addition, one of skill in the art will readily understand         that the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 sequences can be readily         adapted for use for a variety of viral and non-viral vector         systems for in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo delivery of therapeutic         and immunogenic molecules. For example, the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or         SAdV-34 simian Ad sequences can be utilized in a variety of rAd         and non-rAd vector systems. Such vectors systems may include,         e.g., plasmids, lentiviruses, retroviruses, poxviruses, vaccinia         viruses, and adeno-associated viral systems, among others.         Selection of these vector systems is not a limitation.     -   Also provided are molecules useful for production of the simian         and simian-derived proteins described herein. Such molecules         which carry polynucleotides including the simian Ad DNA         sequences described herein can be in the form of naked DNA, a         plasmid, a virus or any other genetic element.

B. SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 Adenoviral Proteins

-   -   Gene products of the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 adenovirus,         such as proteins, enzymes, and fragments thereof, which are         encoded by the adenoviral nucleic acids described herein are         provided. Further encompassed are SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34         proteins, enzymes, and fragments thereof, having the amino acid         sequences encoded by these nucleic acid sequences which are         generated by other methods. Such proteins include those encoded         by the open reading frames identified in the table above, the         proteins in the table below (also shown in the Sequence Listing)         and fragments thereof of the proteins and polypeptides.

SAdV-40 SAdV-31 SAdV 34 Regions SEQ ID NO: SEQ ID NO: SEQ ID NO: E1a 13S 29 60 91 12S 9S E1b Small T/19K 22 53 64 Large T/55K 2 33 84 IX 3 34 65 L1 52/55 kD 4 35 66 IIIa 5 36 67 L2 Penton 6 37 68 VII 7 38 69 V 8 39 70 pX 9 40 71 L3 VI 10 41 72 Hexon 11 42 73 Endoprotease 12 43 74 L4 100 kD 13 44 86 33 kD 31 62 93 homolog 22 kD 24 55 75 VIII 14 45 76 E3 12.5K 15 46 77 CR1-alpha 25 56 87 gp19K 16 47 78 CR1-beta 17 48 79 CR1-gamma 26 57 88 RID-alpha 18 49 80 RID-beta 19 50 81 14.7 K 27 58 89 L5 Fiber 20 51 82

-   -   Thus, in one aspect, unique simian adenoviral proteins which are         substantially pure, i.e., are free of other viral and         proteinaceous proteins are provided. Preferably, these proteins         are at least 10% homogeneous, more preferably 60% homogeneous,         and most preferably 95% homogeneous.     -   In one embodiment, unique simian-derived capsid proteins are         provided. As used herein, a simian-derived capsid protein         includes any adenoviral capsid protein that contains a SAdV-40,         SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 capsid protein or a fragment thereof, as         defined above, including, without limitation, chimeric capsid         proteins, fusion proteins, artificial capsid proteins, synthetic         capsid proteins, and recombinant capsid proteins, without         limitation to means of generating these proteins.     -   Suitably, these simian-derived capsid proteins contain one or         more SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 regions or fragments thereof         (e.g., a hexon, penton, fiber, or fragment thereof) in         combination with capsid regions or fragments thereof of         different adenoviral serotypes, or modified simian capsid         proteins or fragments, as described herein. A “modification of a         capsid protein associated with altered tropism” as used herein         includes an altered capsid protein, i.e., a penton, hexon or         fiber protein region, or fragment thereof, such as the knob         domain of the fiber region, or a polynucleotide encoding same,         such that specificity is altered. The simian-derived capsid may         be constructed with one or more of the simian Ad described         herein or another Ad serotype which may be of human or non-human         origin. Such Ad may be obtained from a variety of sources         including the ATCC, commercial and academic sources, or the         sequences of the Ad may be obtained from GenBank or other         suitable sources.     -   The amino acid sequences of the penton proteins of SAdV-40 [SEQ         ID NO: 6], SAdV-31 [SEQ ID NO: 37], or SAdV-34 [SEQ ID NO: 68]         are provided. Suitably, this penton protein, or unique fragments         thereof, may be utilized for a variety of purposes. Examples of         suitable fragments include the penton having N-terminal and/or         C-terminal truncations of about 50, 100, 150, or 200 amino         acids, based upon the amino acid numbering provided above and in         SEQ ID NO: 6, 37 or 68. Other suitable fragments include shorter         internal, C-terminal, or N-terminal fragments. Further, the         penton protein may be modified for a variety of purposes known         to those of skill in the art.     -   Also provided are the amino acid sequences of the hexon protein         of SAdV-40 [SEQ ID NO: 11], SAdV-31 [SEQ ID NO: 42], or SAdV-34         [SEQ ID NO: 73]. Suitably, this hexon protein, or unique         fragments thereof, may be utilized for a variety of purposes.         Examples of suitable fragments include the hexon having         N-terminal and/or C-terminal truncations of about 50, 100, 150,         200, 300, 400, or 500 amino acids, based upon the amino acid         numbering provided above and in SEQ ID NO: 11, 42 or 73. Other         suitable fragments include shorter internal, C-terminal, or         N-terminal fragments. For example, one suitable fragment the         loop region (domain) of the hexon protein, designated DE1 and         FG1, or a hypervariable region thereof. Such fragments include         the regions spanning amino acid residues about 125 to 443; about         138 to 441, or smaller fragments, such as those spanning about         residue 138 to residue 163; about 170 to about 176; about 195 to         about 203; about 233 to about 246; about 253 to about 374; about         287 to about 297; and about 404 to about 430 of the simian hexon         proteins, with reference to SEQ ID NO: 11, 42 or 73. Other         suitable fragments may be readily identified by one of skill in         the art. Further, the hexon protein may be modified for a         variety of purposes known to those of skill in the art. Because         the hexon protein is the determinant for serotype of an         adenovirus, such artificial hexon proteins would result in         adenoviruses having artificial serotypes. Other artificial         capsid proteins can also be constructed using the chimp Ad         penton sequences and/or fiber sequences described herein and/or         fragments thereof.     -   In one embodiment, an adenovirus having an altered hexon protein         utilizing the sequences of a SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 hexon         protein may be generated. One suitable method for altering hexon         proteins is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,315, which is         incorporated by reference. In this method, at least one loop         region of the adenovirus hexon is changed with at least one loop         region of another adenovirus serotype. Thus, at least one loop         region of such an altered adenovirus hexon protein is a simian         Ad hexon loop region of SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34. In one         embodiment, a loop region of the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34         hexon protein is replaced by a loop region from another         adenovirus serotype. In another embodiment, the loop region of         the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 hexon is used to replace a loop         region from another adenovirus serotype. Suitable adenovirus         serotypes may be readily selected from among human and non-human         serotypes, as described herein. The selection of a suitable         serotype is not a limitation. Still other uses for the SAdV-40,         SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 hexon protein sequences will be readily         apparent to those of skill in the art.     -   The amino acid sequences of the fiber proteins of SAdV-40 [SEQ         ID NO: 20], SAdV-31 [SEQ ID NO: 51], or SAdV-34 [SEQ ID NO: 82]         are provided. Suitably, this fiber protein, or unique fragments         thereof, may be utilized for a variety of purposes. One suitable         fragment is the fiber knob, located within SEQ ID NO: 20, 51,         or 82. Examples of other suitable fragments include the fiber         having N-terminal and/or C-terminal truncations of about 50,         100, 150, or 200 amino acids, based upon the amino acid         numbering provided in SEQ ID NO: 20, 51, or 82. Still other         suitable fragments include internal fragments. Further, the         fiber protein may be modified using a variety of techniques         known to those of skill in the art.     -   Unique fragments of the proteins of the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or         SAdV-34 are at least 8 amino acids in length. However, fragments         of other desired lengths can be readily utilized. In addition,         modifications as may be introduced to enhance yield and/or         expression of a SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 gene product, e.g.,         construction of a fusion molecule in which all or a fragment of         the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 gene product is fused (either         directly or via a linker) with a fusion partner to enhance are         provided herein. Other suitable modifications include, without         limitation, truncation of a coding region (e.g., a protein or         enzyme) to eliminate a pre- or pro-protein ordinarily cleaved         and to provide the mature protein or enzyme and/or mutation of a         coding region to provide a secretable gene product. Still other         modifications will be readily apparent to one of skill in the         art. Further encompassed are proteins having at least about 99%         identity to the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 proteins provided         herein.     -   As described herein, vectors containing the adenoviral capsid         proteins of SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 are particularly well         suited for use in applications in which the neutralizing         antibodies diminish the effectiveness of other Ad serotype based         vectors, as well as other viral vectors. The rAd vectors are         particularly advantageous in readministration for repeat gene         therapy or for boosting immune response (vaccine titers).     -   Under certain circumstances, it may be desirable to use one or         more of the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 gene products (e.g., a         capsid protein or a fragment thereof) to generate an antibody.         The term “an antibody,” as used herein, refers to an         immunoglobulin molecule which is able to specifically bind to an         epitope. The antibodies may exist in a variety of forms         including, for example, high affinity polyclonal antibodies,         monoclonal antibodies, synthetic antibodies, chimeric         antibodies, recombinant antibodies and humanized antibodies.         Such antibodies originate from immunoglobulin classes IgG, IgM,         IgA, IgD and IgE.     -   Such antibodies may be generated using any of a number of         methods know in the art. Suitable antibodies may be generated by         well-known conventional techniques, e.g., Kohler and Milstein         and the many known modifications thereof. Similarly desirable         high titer antibodies are generated by applying known         recombinant techniques to the monoclonal or polyclonal         antibodies developed to these antigens [see, e.g., PCT Patent         Application No. PCT/GB85/00392; British Patent Application         Publication No. GB2188638A; Amit et al., 1986 Science,         233:747-753; Queen et al., 1989 Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. USA,         86:10029-10033; PCT Patent Application No. PCT/WO9007861; and         Riechmann et al., Nature, 332:323-327 (1988); Huse et al, 1988a         Science, 246:1275-1281]. Alternatively, antibodies can be         produced by manipulating the complementarity determining regions         of animal or human antibodies to the antigen. See, e.g., E. Mark         and Padlin, “Humanization of Monoclonal Antibodies”, Chapter 4,         The Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, Vol. 113, The         Pharmacology of Monoclonal Antibodies, Springer-Verlag (June,         1994); Harlow et al., 1999, Using Antibodies: A Laboratory         Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, NY; Harlow et al.,         1989, Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.;         Houston et al., 1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883;         and Bird et al., 1988, Science 242:423-437. Further provided are         anti-idiotype antibodies (Ab2) and anti-anti-idiotype antibodies         (Ab3). See, e.g., M. Wettendorff et al., “Modulation of         anti-tumor immunity by anti-idiotypic antibodies.” In Idiotypic         Network and Diseases, ed. by J. Cerny and J. Hiernaux, 1990 J.         Am. Soc. Microbiol., Washington D.C.: pp. 203-229]. These         anti-idiotype and anti-anti-idiotype antibodies are produced         using techniques well known to those of skill in the art. These         antibodies may be used for a variety of purposes, including         diagnostic and clinical methods and kits.     -   Under certain circumstances, it may be desirable to introduce a         detectable label or a tag onto a SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34         gene product, antibody or other construct. As used herein, a         detectable label is a molecule which is capable, alone or upon         interaction with another molecule, of providing a detectable         signal. Most desirably, the label is detectable visually, e.g.         by fluorescence, for ready use in immunohistochemical analyses         or immunofluorescent microscopy. For example, suitable labels         include fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), phycoerythrin (PE),         allophycocyanin (APC), coriphosphine-O (CPO) or tandem dyes,         PE-cyanin-5 (PC5), and PE-Texas Red (ECD). All of these         fluorescent dyes are commercially available, and their uses         known to the art. Other useful labels include a colloidal gold         label. Still other useful labels include radioactive compounds         or elements. Additionally, labels include a variety of enzyme         systems that operate to reveal a colorimetric signal in an         assay, e.g., glucose oxidase (which uses glucose as a substrate)         releases peroxide as a product which in the presence of         peroxidase and a hydrogen donor such as tetramethyl benzidine         (TMB) produces an oxidized TMB that is seen as a blue color.         Other examples include horseradish peroxidase (HRP), alkaline         phosphatase (AP), and hexokinase in conjunction with         glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase which reacts with ATP,         glucose, and NAD+ to yield, among other products, NADH that is         detected as increased absorbance at 340 nm wavelength.     -   Other label systems that are utilized in the methods described         herein are detectable by other means, e.g., colored latex         microparticles [Bangs Laboratories, Indiana] in which a dye is         embedded are used in place of enzymes to form conjugates with         the target sequences provide a visual signal indicative of the         presence of the resulting complex in applicable assays.     -   Methods for coupling or associating the label with a desired         molecule are similarly conventional and known to those of skill         in the art. Known methods of label attachment are described         [see, for example, Handbook of Fluorescent probes and Research         Chemicals, 6th Ed., R. P. M. Haugland, Molecular Probes, Inc.,         Eugene, Oreg., 1996; Pierce Catalog and Handbook, Life Science         and Analytical Research Products, Pierce Chemical Company,         Rockford, Ill., 1994/1995]. Thus, selection of the label and         coupling methods is not a limitation.     -   The sequences, proteins, and fragments of SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or         SAdV-34 may be produced by any suitable means, including         recombinant production, chemical synthesis, or other synthetic         means. Suitable production techniques are well known to those of         skill in the art. See, e.g., Sambrook et al, Molecular Cloning:         A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press (Cold Spring         Harbor, N.Y.). Alternatively, peptides can also be synthesized         by the well known solid phase peptide synthesis methods         (Merrifield, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 85:2149 (1962); Stewart and         Young, Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (Freeman, San         Francisco, 1969) pp. 27-62). These and other suitable production         methods are within the knowledge of those of skill in the art         and are not a limitation.     -   In addition, one of skill in the art will readily understand         that the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 sequences can be readily         adapted for use for a variety of viral and non-viral vector         systems for in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo delivery of therapeutic         and immunogenic molecules. For example, in one embodiment, the         simian Ad capsid proteins and other simian adenovirus proteins         described herein are used for non-viral, protein-based delivery         of genes, proteins, and other desirable diagnostic, therapeutic         and immunogenic molecules. In one such embodiment, a protein         described herein is linked, directly or indirectly, to a         molecule for targeting to cells with a receptor for         adenoviruses. Preferably, a capsid protein such as a hexon,         penton, fiber or a fragment thereof having a ligand for a cell         surface receptor is selected for such targeting. Suitable         molecules for delivery are selected from among the therapeutic         molecules described herein and their gene products. A variety of         linkers including, lipids, polyLys, and the like may be utilized         as linkers. For example, the simian penton protein may be         readily utilized for such a purpose by production of a fusion         protein using the simian penton sequences in a manner analogous         to that described in Medina-Kauwe LK, et al, Gene Ther. 2001         May; 8(10):795-803 and Medina-Kauwe L K, et al, Gene Ther. 2001         December; 8(23): 1753-1761. Alternatively, the amino acid         sequences of simian Ad protein IX may be utilized for targeting         vectors to a cell surface receptor, as described in US Patent         Appln 20010047081. Suitable ligands include a CD40 antigen, an         RGD-containing or polylysine-containing sequence, and the like.         Still other simian Ad proteins, including, e.g., the hexon         protein and/or the fiber protein, may be used for used for these         and similar purposes.     -   Still other SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 adenoviral proteins may         be used as alone, or in combination with other adenoviral         protein, for a variety of purposes which will be readily         apparent to one of skill in the art. In addition, still other         uses for the SAdV adenoviral proteins will be readily apparent         to one of skill in the art.         II. Recombinant Adenoviral Vectors

The compositions described herein include vectors that deliver a heterologous molecule to cells, either for therapeutic or vaccine purposes. As used herein, a vector may include any genetic element including, without limitation, naked DNA, a phage, transposon, cosmid, episome, plasmid, or a virus. Such vectors contain simian adenovirus DNA of SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 and a minigene. By “minigene” or “expression cassette” is meant the combination of a selected heterologous gene and the other regulatory elements necessary to drive translation, transcription and/or expression of the gene product in a host cell.

Typically, a SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34-derived adenoviral vector is designed such that the minigene is located in a nucleic acid molecule which contains other adenoviral sequences in the region native to a selected adenoviral gene. The minigene may be inserted into an existing gene region to disrupt the function of that region, if desired. Alternatively, the minigene may be inserted into the site of a partially or fully deleted adenoviral gene. For example, the minigene may be located in the site of such as the site of a functional E1 deletion or functional E3 deletion, among others that may be selected. The term “functionally deleted” or “functional deletion” means that a sufficient amount of the gene region is removed or otherwise damaged, e.g., by mutation or modification, so that the gene region is no longer capable of producing functional products of gene expression. If desired, the entire gene region may be removed. Other suitable sites for gene disruption or deletion are discussed elsewhere in the application.

For example, for a production vector useful for generation of a recombinant virus, the vector may contain the minigene and either the 5′ end of the adenoviral genome or the 3′ end of the adenoviral genome, or both the 5′ and 3′ ends of the adenoviral genome. The 5′ end of the adenoviral genome contains the 5′ cis-elements necessary for packaging and replication; i.e., the 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR) sequences (which function as origins of replication) and the native 5′ packaging enhancer domains (that contain sequences necessary for packaging linear Ad genomes and enhancer elements for the E1 promoter). The 3′ end of the adenoviral genome includes the 3′ cis-elements (including the ITRs) necessary for packaging and encapsidation. Suitably, a recombinant adenovirus contains both 5′ and 3′ adenoviral cis-elements and the minigene is located between the 5′ and 3′ adenoviral sequences. A SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 based adenoviral vector may also contain additional adenoviral sequences.

Suitably, these SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 based adenoviral vectors contain one or more adenoviral elements derived from the adenoviral genome. In one embodiment, the vectors contain adenoviral ITRs from SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 and additional adenoviral sequences from the same adenoviral serotype. In another embodiment, the vectors contain adenoviral sequences that are derived from a different adenoviral serotype than that which provides the ITRs.

As defined herein, a pseudotyped adenovirus refers to an adenovirus in which the capsid protein of the adenovirus is from a different adenovirus than the adenovirus which provides the ITRs.

Further, chimeric or hybrid adenoviruses may be constructed using the adenoviruses described herein using techniques known to those of skill in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,291,498.

The selection of the adenoviral source of the ITRs and the source of any other adenoviral sequences present in vector is not a limitation of the present embodiment. A variety of adenovirus strains are available from the American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, Va., or available by request from a variety of commercial and institutional sources. Further, the sequences of many such strains are available from a variety of databases including, e.g., PubMed and GenBank. Homologous adenovirus vectors prepared from other simian or from human adenoviruses are described in the published literature [see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,846]. The DNA sequences of a number of adenovirus types are available from GenBank, including type Ad5 [GenBank Accession No. M73370]. The adenovirus sequences may be obtained from any known adenovirus serotype, such as serotypes 2, 3, 4, 7, 12 and 40, and further including any of the presently identified human types. Similarly adenoviruses known to infect non-human animals (e.g., simians) may also be employed in the vector constructs. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,716.

The viral sequences, helper viruses (if needed), and recombinant viral particles, and other vector components and sequences employed in the construction of the vectors described herein are obtained as described above. The DNA sequences of the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 simian adenovirus sequences provided herein are employed to construct vectors and cell lines useful in the preparation of such vectors.

Modifications of the nucleic acid sequences forming the vectors described herein, including sequence deletions, insertions, and other mutations may be generated using standard molecular biological techniques and are within the scope of this embodiment.

A. The “Minigene”

-   -   The methods employed for the selection of the transgene, the         cloning and construction of the “minigene” and its insertion         into the viral vector are within the skill in the art given the         teachings provided herein.         -   1. The Transgene             -   The transgene is a nucleic acid sequence, heterologous                 to the vector sequences flanking the transgene, which                 encodes a polypeptide, protein, or other product, of                 interest. The nucleic acid coding sequence is                 operatively linked to regulatory components in a manner                 which permits transgene transcription, translation,                 and/or expression in a host cell.             -   The composition of the transgene sequence will depend                 upon the use to which the resulting vector will be put.                 For example, one type of transgene sequence includes a                 reporter sequence, which upon expression produces a                 detectable signal. Such reporter sequences include,                 without limitation, DNA sequences encoding B-lactamase,                 B-galactosidase (LacZ), alkaline phosphatase, thymidine                 kinase, green fluorescent protein (GFP), chloramphenicol                 acetyltransferase (CAT), luciferase, membrane bound                 proteins including, for example, CD2, CD4, CD8, the                 influenza hemagglutinin protein, and others well known                 in the art, to which high affinity antibodies directed                 thereto exist or can be produced by conventional means,                 and fusion proteins comprising a membrane bound protein                 appropriately fused to an antigen tag domain from, among                 others, hemagglutinin or Myc. These coding sequences,                 when associated with regulatory elements which drive                 their expression, provide signals detectable by                 conventional means, including enzymatic, radiographic,                 colorimetric, fluorescence or other spectrographic                 assays, fluorescent activating cell sorting assays and                 immunological assays, including enzyme linked                 immunosorbent assay (ELISA), radioimmunoassay (RIA) and                 immunohistochemistry. For example, where the marker                 sequence is the LacZ gene, the presence of the vector                 carrying the signal is detected by assays for                 beta-galactosidase activity. Where the transgene is GFP                 or luciferase, the vector carrying the signal may be                 measured visually by color or light production in a                 luminometer.             -   In one embodiment, the transgene is a non-marker                 sequence encoding a product which is useful in biology                 and medicine, such as proteins, peptides, RNA, enzymes,                 or catalytic RNAs. Desirable RNA molecules include tRNA,                 dsRNA, ribosomal RNA, catalytic RNAs, and antisense                 RNAs. One example of a useful RNA sequence is a sequence                 which extinguishes expression of a targeted nucleic acid                 sequence in the treated animal.             -   The transgene may be used for treatment, e.g., of                 genetic deficiencies, as a cancer therapeutic or                 vaccine, for induction of an immune response, and/or for                 prophylactic vaccine purposes. As used herein, induction                 of an immune response refers to the ability of a                 molecule (e.g., a gene product) to induce a T cell                 and/or a humoral immune response to the molecule. Also                 included is the use of multiple transgenes, e.g., to                 correct or ameliorate a condition caused by a                 multi-subunit protein. In certain situations, a                 different transgene may be used to encode each subunit                 of a protein, or to encode different peptides or                 proteins. This is desirable when the size of the DNA                 encoding the protein subunit is large, e.g., for an                 immunoglobulin, the platelet-derived growth factor, or a                 dystrophin protein. In order for the cell to produce the                 multi-subunit protein, a cell is infected with the                 recombinant virus containing each of the different                 subunits. Alternatively, different subunits of a protein                 may be encoded by the same transgene. In this case, a                 single transgene includes the DNA encoding each of the                 subunits, with the DNA for each subunit separated by an                 internal ribozyme entry site (IRES). This is desirable                 when the size of the DNA encoding each of the subunits                 is small, e.g., the total size of the DNA encoding the                 subunits and the IRES is less than five kilobases. As an                 alternative to an IRES, the DNA may be separated by                 sequences encoding a 2A peptide, which self-cleaves in a                 post-translational event. See, e.g., M. L. Donnelly, et                 al, J. Gen. Virol., 78(Pt 1):13-21 (January 1997);                 Furler, S., et al, Gene Timer., 8(11):864-873 (June                 2001); Klump H., et al., Gene Ther., 8(10):811-817 (May                 2001). This 2A peptide is significantly smaller than an                 IRES, making it well suited for use when space is a                 limiting factor. However, the selected transgene may                 encode any biologically active product or other product,                 e.g., a product desirable for study.             -   Suitable transgenes may be readily selected by one of                 skill in the art. The selection of the transgene is not                 considered to be a limitation of this embodiment.         -   2. Regulatory Elements             -   In addition to the major elements identified above for                 the minigene, the vector also includes conventional                 control elements necessary which are operably linked to                 the transgene in a manner that permits its                 transcription, translation and/or expression in a cell                 transfected with the plasmid vector or infected with the                 virus produced as described herein. As used herein,                 “operably linked” sequences include both expression                 control sequences that are contiguous with the gene of                 interest and expression control sequences that act in                 trans or at a distance to control the gene of interest.             -   Expression control sequences include appropriate                 transcription initiation, termination, promoter and                 enhancer sequences; efficient RNA processing signals                 such as splicing and polyadenylation (polyA) signals;                 sequences that stabilize cytoplasmic mRNA; sequences                 that enhance translation efficiency (i.e., Kozak                 consensus sequence); sequences that enhance protein                 stability; and when desired, sequences that enhance                 secretion of the encoded product.             -   A great number of expression control sequences,                 including promoters which are native, constitutive,                 inducible and/or tissue-specific, are known in the art                 and may be utilized. Examples of constitutive promoters                 include, without limitation, the retroviral Rous sarcoma                 virus (RSV) LTR promoter (optionally with the RSV                 enhancer), the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter                 (optionally with the CMV enhancer) [see, e.g., Boshart                 et al, Cell, 41:521-530 (1985)], the SV40 promoter, the                 dihydrofolate reductase promoter, the β-actin promoter,                 the phosphoglycerol kinase (PGK) promoter, and the EF1a                 promoter [Invitrogen].             -   Inducible promoters allow regulation of gene expression                 and can be regulated by exogenously supplied compounds,                 environmental factors such as temperature, or the                 presence of a specific physiological state, e.g., acute                 phase, a particular differentiation state of the cell,                 or in replicating cells only. Inducible promoters and                 inducible systems are available from a variety of                 commercial sources, including, without limitation,                 Invitrogen, Clontech and Ariad. Many other systems have                 been described and can be readily selected by one of                 skill in the art. For example, inducible promoters                 include the zinc-inducible sheep metallothionine (MT)                 promoter and the dexamethasone (Dex)-inducible mouse                 mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter. Other inducible                 systems include the T7 polymerase promoter system [WO                 98/10088]; the ecdysone insect promoter [No et al, Proc.                 Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 93:3346-3351 (1996)], the                 tetracycline-repressible system [Gossen et al, Proc.                 Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89:5547-5551 (1992)], the                 tetracycline-inducible system [Gossen et al, Science,                 378:1766-1769 (1995), see also Harvey et al, Curr. Opin.                 Chem. Biol., 2:512-518 (1998)]. Other systems include                 the FK506 dimer, VP16 or p65 using castradiol, diphenol                 murislerone, the RU486-inducible system [Wang et al,                 Nat. Biotech., 15:239-243 (1997) and Wang et al, Gene                 Ther., 4:432-441 (1997)] and the rapamycin-inducible                 system [Magari et al, J. Clin. Invest., 100:2865-2872                 (1997)]. The effectiveness of some inducible promoters                 increases over time. In such cases one can enhance the                 effectiveness of such systems by inserting multiple                 repressors in tandem, e.g., TetR linked to a TetR by an                 IRES. Alternatively, one can wait at least 3 days before                 screening for the desired function. One can enhance                 expression of desired proteins by known means to enhance                 the effectiveness of this system. For example, using the                 Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus Posttranscriptional Regulatory                 Element (WPRE).             -   In another embodiment, the native promoter for the                 transgene will be used. The native promoter may be                 preferred when it is desired that expression of the                 transgene should mimic the native expression. The native                 promoter may be used when expression of the transgene                 must be regulated temporally or developmentally, or in a                 tissue-specific manner, or in response to specific                 transcriptional stimuli. In a further embodiment, other                 native expression control elements, such as enhancer                 elements, polyadenylation sites or Kozak consensus                 sequences may also be used to mimic the native                 expression.             -   Another embodiment of the transgene includes a transgene                 operably linked to a tissue-specific promoter. For                 instance, if expression in skeletal muscle is desired, a                 promoter active in muscle should be used. These include                 the promoters from genes encoding skeletal β-actin,                 myosin light chain 2A, dystrophin, muscle creatine                 kinase, as well as synthetic muscle promoters with                 activities higher than naturally occurring promoters                 (see Li et al., Nat. Biotech., 17:241-245 (1999)).                 Examples of promoters that are tissue-specific are known                 for liver (albumin, Miyatake et al., J. Virol.,                 71:5124-32 (1997); hepatitis B virus core promoter,                 Sandig et al., Gene Ther., 3:1002-9 (1996);                 alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Arbuthnot et al., Hum. Gene                 Ther., 7:1503-14 (1996)), bone osteocalcin (Stein et                 al., Mol. Biol. Rep., 24:185-96 (1997)); bone                 sialoprotein (Chen et al., J. Bone Miner. Res.,                 11:654-64 (1996)), lymphocytes (CD2, Hansal et al., J.                 Immunol., 161:1063-8 (1998); immunoglobulin heavy chain;                 T cell receptor chain), neuronal such as neuron-specific                 enolase (NSE) promoter (Andersen et al., Cell. Mol.                 Neurobiol., 13:503-15 (1993)), neurofilament light-chain                 gene (Piccioli et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA,                 88:5611-5 (1991)), and the neuron-specific vgf gene                 (Piccioli et al., Neuron, 15:373-84 (1995)), among                 others.             -   Optionally, vectors carrying transgenes encoding                 therapeutically useful or immunogenic products may also                 include selectable markers or reporter genes may include                 sequences encoding geneticin, hygromicin or purimycin                 resistance, among others. Such selectable reporters or                 marker genes (preferably located outside the viral                 genome to be packaged into a viral particle) can be used                 to signal the presence of the plasmids in bacterial                 cells, such as ampicillin resistance. Other components                 of the vector may include an origin of replication.                 Selection of these and other promoters and vector                 elements are conventional and many such sequences are                 available [see, e.g., Sambrook et al, and references                 cited therein].             -   These vectors are generated using the techniques and                 sequences provided herein, in conjunction with                 techniques known to those of skill in the art. Such                 techniques include conventional cloning techniques of                 cDNA such as those described in texts [Sambrook et al,                 Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring                 Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.], use of                 overlapping oligonucleotide sequences of the adenovirus                 genomes, polymerase chain reaction, and any suitable                 method which provides the desired nucleotide sequence.                 III. Production of the Viral Vector

In one embodiment, the simian adenoviral plasmids (or other vectors) are used to produce adenoviral vectors. In one embodiment, the adenoviral vectors are adenoviral particles which are replication-defective. In one embodiment, the adenoviral particles are rendered replication-defective by deletions in the E1a and/or E1b genes. Alternatively, the adenoviruses are rendered replication-defective by another means, optionally while retaining the E1a and/or E1b genes. The adenoviral vectors can also contain other mutations to the adenoviral genome, e.g., temperature-sensitive mutations or deletions in other genes. In other embodiments, it is desirable to retain an intact E1a and/or E1b region in the adenoviral vectors. Such an intact E1 region may be located in its native location in the adenoviral genome or placed in the site of a deletion in the native adenoviral genome (e.g., in the E3 region).

In the construction of useful simian adenovirus vectors for delivery of a gene to the human (or other mammalian) cell, a range of adenovirus nucleic acid sequences can be employed in the vectors. For example, all or a portion of the adenovirus delayed early gene E3 may be eliminated from the simian adenovirus sequence which forms a part of the recombinant virus. The function of simian E3 is believed to be irrelevant to the function and production of the recombinant virus particle. Simian adenovirus vectors may also be constructed having a deletion of at least the ORF6 region of the E4 gene, and more desirably because of the redundancy in the function of this region, the entire E4 region. Still another vector contains a deletion in the delayed early gene E2a. Deletions may also be made in any of the late genes L1 through L5 of the simian adenovirus genome. Similarly, deletions in the intermediate genes IX and IVa₂ may be useful for some purposes. Other deletions may be made in the other structural or non-structural adenovirus genes. The above discussed deletions may be used individually, i.e., an adenovirus sequence for use as described herein may contain deletions in only a single region. Alternatively, deletions of entire genes or portions thereof effective to destroy their biological activity may be used in any combination. For example, in one exemplary vector, the adenovirus sequence may have deletions of the E1 genes and the E4 gene, or of the E1, E2a and E3 genes, or of the E1 and E3 genes, or of E1, E2a and E4 genes, with or without deletion of E3, and so on. As discussed above, such deletions may be used in combination with other mutations, such as temperature-sensitive mutations, to achieve a desired result.

An adenoviral vector lacking any essential adenoviral sequences (e.g., E1a, E1b, E2a, E2b, E4 ORF6, L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5) may be cultured in the presence of the missing adenoviral gene products which are required for viral infectivity and propagation of an adenoviral particle. These helper functions may be provided by culturing the adenoviral vector in the presence of one or more helper constructs (e.g., a plasmid or virus) or a packaging host cell. See, for example, the techniques described for preparation of a “minimal” human Ad vector in International Patent Application WO96/13597, published May 9, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference.

1. Helper Viruses

-   -   Thus, depending upon the simian adenovirus gene content of the         viral vectors employed to carry the minigene, a helper         adenovirus or non-replicating virus fragment may be necessary to         provide sufficient simian adenovirus gene sequences necessary to         produce an infective recombinant viral particle containing the         minigene. Useful helper viruses contain selected adenovirus gene         sequences not present in the adenovirus vector construct and/or         not expressed by the packaging cell line in which the vector is         transfected. In one embodiment, the helper virus is         replication-defective and contains a variety of adenovirus genes         in addition to the sequences described above. Such a helper         virus is desirably used in combination with an E1-expressing         cell line.     -   Helper viruses may also be formed into poly-cation conjugates as         described in Wu et al, J. Biol. Chem., 374:16985-16987         (1989); K. J. Fisher and J. M. Wilson, Biochem. J., 299:49 (Apr.         1, 1994). Helper virus may optionally contain a second reporter         minigene. A number of such reporter genes are known to the art.         The presence of a reporter gene on the helper virus which is         different from the transgene on the adenovirus vector allows         both the Ad vector and the helper virus to be independently         monitored. This second reporter is used to enable separation         between the resulting recombinant virus and the helper virus         upon purification.

2. Complementation Cell Lines

-   -   To generate recombinant simian adenoviruses (Ad) deleted in any         of the genes described above, the function of the deleted gene         region, if essential to the replication and infectivity of the         virus, must be supplied to the recombinant virus by a helper         virus or cell line, i.e., a complementation or packaging cell         line. In many circumstances, a cell line expressing the human E1         can be used to transcomplement the chimp Ad vector. This is         particularly advantageous because, due to the diversity between         the chimp Ad sequences described herein and the human AdE1         sequences found in currently available packaging cells, the use         of the current human E1-containing cells prevents the generation         of replication-competent adenoviruses during the replication and         production process. However, in certain circumstances, it will         be desirable to utilize a cell line which expresses the E1 gene         products can be utilized for production of an E1-deleted simian         adenovirus. Such cell lines have been described. See, e.g., U.S.         Pat. No. 6,083,716.     -   If desired, one may utilize the sequences provided herein to         generate a packaging cell or cell line that expresses, at a         minimum, the adenovirus E1 gene from SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34         under the transcriptional control of a promoter for expression         in a selected parent cell line. Inducible or constitutive         promoters may be employed for this purpose. Examples of such         promoters are described in detail elsewhere in this         specification. A parent cell is selected for the generation of a         novel cell line expressing any desired SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or         SAdV-34 gene. Without limitation, such a parent cell line may be         HeLa [ATCC Accession No. CCL 2], A549 [ATCC Accession No. CCL         185], HEK 293, KB [CCL 17], Detroit [e.g., Detroit 510, CCL 72]         and WI-38 [CCL 75] cells, among others. These cell lines are all         available from the American Type Culture Collection, 10801         University Boulevard, Manassas, Va. 20110-2209. Other suitable         parent cell lines may be obtained from other sources.     -   Such E1-expressing cell lines are useful in the generation of         recombinant simian adenovirus E1 deleted vectors. Additionally,         or alternatively, cell lines that express one or more simian         adenoviral gene products, e.g., E1a, E1b, E2a, and/or E4 ORF6,         can be constructed using essentially the same procedures are         used in the generation of recombinant simian viral vectors. Such         cell lines can be utilized to transcomplement adenovirus vectors         deleted in the essential genes that encode those products, or to         provide helper functions necessary for packaging of a         helper-dependent virus (e.g., adeno-associated virus). The         preparation of a host cell involves techniques such as assembly         of selected DNA sequences. This assembly may be accomplished         utilizing conventional techniques. Such techniques include cDNA         and genomic cloning, which are well known and are described in         Sambrook et al., cited above, use of overlapping oligonucleotide         sequences of the adenovirus genomes, combined with polymerase         chain reaction, synthetic methods, and any other suitable         methods which provide the desired nucleotide sequence.     -   In still another alternative, the essential adenoviral gene         products are provided in trans by the adenoviral vector and/or         helper virus. In such an instance, a suitable host cell can be         selected from any biological organism, including prokaryotic         (e.g., bacterial) cells, and eukaryotic cells, including, insect         cells, yeast cells and mammalian cells. Particularly desirable         host cells are selected from among any mammalian species,         including, without limitation, cells such as A549, WEHI, 3T3,         10T1/2, HEK 293 cells or PERC6 (both of which express functional         adenoviral E1) [Fallaux, FJ et al, (1998), Hum Gene Timer,         9:1909-1917], Saos, C2C12, L cells, HT1080, HepG2 and primary         fibroblast, hepatocyte and myoblast cells derived from mammals         including human, monkey, mouse, rat, rabbit, and hamster. The         selection of the mammalian species providing the cells is not a         limitation, nor is the type of mammalian cell, i.e., fibroblast,         hepatocyte, tumor cell, etc.

3. Assembly of Viral Particle and Transfection of a Cell Line

-   -   Generally, when delivering the vector comprising the minigene by         transfection, the vector is delivered in an amount from about 5         μg to about 100 μg DNA, and preferably about 10 to about 50 μg         DNA to about 1×10⁴ cells to about 1×10¹³ cells, and preferably         about 10⁵ cells. However, the relative amounts of vector DNA to         host cells may be adjusted, taking into consideration such         factors as the selected vector, the delivery method and the host         cells selected.     -   The vector may be any vector known in the art or disclosed         above, including naked DNA, a plasmid, phage, transposon,         cosmids, episomes, viruses, etc. Introduction into the host cell         of the vector may be achieved by any means known in the art or         as disclosed above, including transfection, and infection. One         or more of the adenoviral genes may be stably integrated into         the genome of the host cell, stably expressed as episomes, or         expressed transiently. The gene products may all be expressed         transiently, on an episome or stably integrated, or some of the         gene products may be expressed stably while others are expressed         transiently. Furthermore, the promoters for each of the         adenoviral genes may be selected independently from a         constitutive promoter, an inducible promoter or a native         adenoviral promoter. The promoters may be regulated by a         specific physiological state of the organism or cell (i.e., by         the differentiation state or in replicating or quiescent cells)         or by exogenously-added factors, for example.     -   Introduction of the molecules (as plasmids or viruses) into the         host cell may also be accomplished using techniques known to the         skilled artisan and as discussed throughout the specification.         In preferred embodiment, standard transfection techniques are         used, e.g., CaPO₄ transfection or electroporation.     -   Assembly of the selected DNA sequences of the adenovirus (as         well as the transgene and other vector elements) into various         intermediate plasmids, and the use of the plasmids and vectors         to produce a recombinant viral particle are all achieved using         conventional techniques. Such techniques include conventional         cloning techniques of cDNA such as those described in texts         [Sambrook et al, cited above], use of overlapping         oligonucleotide sequences of the adenovirus genomes, polymerase         chain reaction, and any suitable method which provides the         desired nucleotide sequence. Standard transfection and         co-transfection techniques are employed, e.g., CaPO₄         precipitation techniques. Other conventional methods employed         include homologous recombination of the viral genomes, plaquing         of viruses in agar overlay, methods of measuring signal         generation, and the like.     -   For example, following the construction and assembly of the         desired minigene-containing viral vector, the vector is         transfected in vitro in the presence of a helper virus into the         packaging cell line. Homologous recombination occurs between the         helper and the vector sequences, which permits the         adenovirus-transgene sequences in the vector to be replicated         and packaged into virion capsids, resulting in the recombinant         viral vector particles. The current method for producing such         virus particles is transfection-based. However, other methods         may be utilized.     -   The resulting recombinant simian adenoviruses are useful in         transferring a selected transgene to a selected cell. In in vivo         experiments with the recombinant virus grown in the packaging         cell lines, the E1-deleted recombinant simian adenoviral vectors         described herein demonstrate utility in transferring a transgene         to a non-simian, preferably a human, cell.         IV. Use of the Recombinant Adenovirus Vectors

The recombinant simian adenovirus-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 based vectors are useful for gene transfer to a human or non-simian veterinary patient in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo.

The recombinant adenovirus vectors described herein can be used as expression vectors for the production of the products encoded by the heterologous genes in vitro. For example, the recombinant adenoviruses containing a gene inserted into the location of an E1 deletion may be transfected into an E1-expressing cell line as described above. Alternatively, replication-competent adenoviruses may be used in another selected cell line. The transfected cells are then cultured in the conventional manner, allowing the recombinant adenovirus to express the gene product from the promoter. The gene product may then be recovered from the culture medium by known conventional methods of protein isolation and recovery from culture.

A SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34-derived recombinant simian adenoviral vector provides an efficient gene transfer vehicle that can deliver a selected transgene to a selected host cell in vivo or ex vivo even where the organism has neutralizing antibodies to one or more AAV serotypes. In one embodiment, the rAAV and the cells are mixed ex vivo; the infected cells are cultured using conventional methodologies; and the transduced cells are re-infused into the patient. These compositions are particularly well suited to gene delivery for therapeutic purposes and for immunization, including inducing protective immunity.

More commonly, the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 recombinant adenoviral vectors will be utilized for delivery of therapeutic or immunogenic molecules, as described below. It will be readily understood for both applications, that the recombinant adenoviral vectors described herein are particularly well suited for use in regimens involving repeat delivery of recombinant adenoviral vectors. Such regimens typically involve delivery of a series of viral vectors in which the viral capsids are alternated. The viral capsids may be changed for each subsequent administration, or after a pre-selected number of administrations of a particular serotype capsid (e.g., one, two, three, four or more). Thus, a regimen may involve delivery of a rAd with a first simian capsid, delivery with a rAd with a second simian capsid, and delivery with a third simian capsid. A variety of other regimens which use the Ad capsids described herein alone, in combination with one another, or in combination with other adenoviruses (which are preferably immunologically non-crossreactive) will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Optionally, such a regimen may involve administration of rAd with capsids of other non-human primate adenoviruses, human adenoviruses, or artificial sequences such as are described herein. Each phase of the regimen may involve administration of a series of injections (or other delivery routes) with a single Ad capsid followed by a series with another capsid from a different Ad source. Alternatively, the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 vectors may be utilized in regimens involving other non-adenoviral-mediated delivery systems, including other viral systems, non-viral delivery systems, protein, peptides, and other biologically active molecules.

The following sections will focus on exemplary molecules which may be delivered via the adenoviral vectors described herein.

A. Ad-Mediated Delivery of Therapeutic Molecules

-   -   In one embodiment, the above-described recombinant vectors are         administered to humans according to published methods for gene         therapy. A simian viral vector bearing the selected transgene         may be administered to a patient, preferably suspended in a         biologically compatible solution or pharmaceutically acceptable         delivery vehicle. A suitable vehicle includes sterile saline.         Other aqueous and non-aqueous isotonic sterile injection         solutions and aqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions known         to be pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and well known to         those of skill in the art may be employed for this purpose.     -   The simian adenoviral vectors are administered in sufficient         amounts to transduce the target cells and to provide sufficient         levels of gene transfer and expression to provide a therapeutic         benefit without undue adverse or with medically acceptable         physiological effects, which can be determined by those skilled         in the medical arts. Conventional and pharmaceutically         acceptable routes of administration include, but are not limited         to, direct delivery to the retina and other intraocular delivery         methods, direct delivery to the liver, inhalation, intranasal,         intravenous, intramuscular, intratracheal, subcutaneous,         intradermal, rectal, oral and other parenteral routes of         administration. Routes of administration may be combined, if         desired, or adjusted depending upon the transgene or the         condition. The route of administration primarily will depend on         the nature of the condition being treated.     -   Dosages of the viral vector will depend primarily on factors         such as the condition being treated, the age, weight and health         of the patient, and may thus vary among patients. For example, a         therapeutically effective adult human or veterinary dosage of         the viral vector is generally in the range of from about 100 μL         to about 100 mL of a carrier containing concentrations of from         about 1×10⁶ to about 1×10¹⁵ particles, about 1×10¹¹ to 1×10¹³         particles, or about 1×10⁹ to 1×10¹² particles virus. Dosages         will range depending upon the size of the animal and the route         of administration. For example, a suitable human or veterinary         dosage (for about an 80 kg animal) for intramuscular injection         is in the range of about 1×10⁹ to about 5×10¹² particles per mL,         for a single site. Optionally, multiple sites of administration         may be delivered. In another example, a suitable human or         veterinary dosage may be in the range of about 1×10¹¹ to about         1×10¹⁵ particles for an oral formulation. One of skill in the         art may adjust these doses, depending the route of         administration, and the therapeutic or vaccinal application for         which the recombinant vector is employed. The levels of         expression of the transgene, or for an immunogen, the level of         circulating antibody, can be monitored to determine the         frequency of dosage administration. Yet other methods for         determining the timing of frequency of administration will be         readily apparent to one of skill in the art.     -   An optional method step involves the co-administration to the         patient, either concurrently with, or before or after         administration of the viral vector, of a suitable amount of a         short acting immune modulator. The selected immune modulator is         defined herein as an agent capable of inhibiting the formation         of neutralizing antibodies directed against a recombinant vector         described herein or capable of inhibiting cytolytic T lymphocyte         (CTL) elimination of the vector. The immune modulator may         interfere with the interactions between the T helper subsets         (T_(H1) or T_(H2)) and B cells to inhibit neutralizing antibody         formation. Alternatively, the immune modulator may inhibit the         interaction between T_(H1) cells and CTLs to reduce the         occurrence of CTL elimination of the vector. A variety of useful         immune modulators and dosages for use of same are disclosed, for         example, in Yang et al., J. Virol., 70(9) (September, 1996);         International Patent Publication No. WO 1996/012406, published         May 2, 1996; and International Patent Publication No. WO         1996/026285, published Aug. 29, 1996, all incorporated herein by         reference.         -   1. Therapeutic Transgenes             -   Useful therapeutic products encoded by the transgene                 include hormones and growth and differentiation factors                 including, without limitation, insulin, glucagon, growth                 hormone (GH), parathyroid hormone (PTH), growth hormone                 releasing factor (GRF), follicle stimulating hormone                 (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), human chorionic                 gonadotropin (hCG), vascular endothelial growth factor                 (VEGF), angiopoietins, angiostatin, granulocyte colony                 stimulating factor (GCSF), erythropoietin (EPO),                 connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), basic fibroblast                 growth factor (bFGF), acidic fibroblast growth factor                 (aFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming                 growth factor (TGF), platelet-derived growth factor                 (PDGF), insulin growth factors I and II (IGF-I and                 IGF-II), any one of the transforming growth factor                 superfamily, including TGF, activins, inhibins, or any                 of the bone morphogenic proteins (BMP) BMPs 1-15, any                 one of the heregluin/neuregulin/ARIA/neu differentiation                 factor (NDF) family of growth factors, nerve growth                 factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF),                 neurotrophins NT-3 and NT-4/5, ciliary neurotrophic                 factor (CNTF), glial cell line derived neurotrophic                 factor (GDNF), neurturin, agrin, any one of the family                 of semaphorins/collapsins, netrin-1 and netrin-2,                 hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), ephrins, noggin, sonic                 hedgehog and tyrosine hydroxylase.     -   Other useful transgene products include proteins that regulate         the immune system including, without limitation, cytokines and         lymphokines such as thrombopoietin (TPO), interleukins (IL) IL-1         through IL-25 (including, e.g., IL-2, IL-4, IL-12 and IL-18),         monocyte chemoattractant protein, leukemia inhibitory factor,         granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, Fas ligand,         tumor necrosis factors and, interferons, and, stem cell factor,         flk-2/flt3 ligand. Gene products produced by the immune system         are also useful. These include, without limitation,         immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD and IgE, chimeric         immunoglobulins, humanized antibodies, single chain antibodies,         T cell receptors, chimeric T cell receptors, single chain T cell         receptors, class I and class II MHC molecules, as well as         engineered immunoglobulins and MHC molecules. Useful gene         products also include complement regulatory proteins such as         complement regulatory proteins, membrane cofactor protein (MCP),         decay accelerating factor (DAF), CR1, CF2 and CD59.     -   Still other useful gene products include any one of the         receptors for the hormones, growth factors, cytokines,         lymphokines, regulatory proteins and immune system proteins.         Also encompassed are receptors for cholesterol regulation,         including the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, high         density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor, the very low density         lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor, and the scavenger receptor. Also         encompassed are gene products such as members of the steroid         hormone receptor superfamily including glucocorticoid receptors         and estrogen receptors, Vitamin D receptors and other nuclear         receptors. In addition, useful gene products include         transcription factors such as jun, fos, max, mad, serum response         factor (SRF), AP-1, AP2, myb, MyoD and myogenin, ETS-box         containing proteins, TFE3, E2F, ATF1, ATF2, ATF3, ATF4, ZF5,         NFAT, CREB, HNF-4, C/EBP, SP1, CCAAT-box binding proteins,         interferon regulation factor (IRF-1), Wilms tumor protein,         ETS-binding protein, STAT, GATA-box binding proteins, e.g.,         GATA-3, and the forkhead family of winged helix proteins.     -   Other useful gene products include, carbamoyl synthetase I,         ornithine transcarbamylase, arginosuccinate synthetase,         arginosuccinate lyase, arginase, fumarylacetacetate hydrolase,         phenylalanine hydroxylase, alpha-1 antitrypsin,         glucose-6-phosphatase, porphobilinogen deaminase, factor VIII,         factor IX, cystathione beta-synthase, branched chain ketoacid         decarboxylase, albumin, isovaleryl-coA dehydrogenase, propionyl         CoA carboxylase, methyl malonyl CoA mutase, glutaryl CoA         dehydrogenase, insulin, beta-glucosidase, pyruvate carboxylate,         hepatic phosphorylase, phosphorylase kinase, glycine         decarboxylase, H-protein, T-protein, a cystic fibrosis         transmembrane regulator (CFTR) sequence, and a dystrophin cDNA         sequence.         -   -   Other useful gene products include non-naturally                 occurring polypeptides, such as chimeric or hybrid                 polypeptides having a non-naturally occurring amino acid                 sequence containing insertions, deletions or amino acid                 substitutions. For example, single-chain engineered                 immunoglobulins could be useful in certain                 immunocompromised patients. Other types of non-naturally                 occurring gene sequences include antisense molecules and                 catalytic nucleic acids, such as ribozymes, which could                 be used to reduce overexpression of a target.             -   Reduction and/or modulation of expression of a gene are                 particularly desirable for treatment of                 hyperproliferative conditions characterized by                 hyperproliferating cells, as are cancers and psoriasis.                 Target polypeptides include those polypeptides which are                 produced exclusively or at higher levels in                 hyperproliferative cells as compared to normal cells.                 Target antigens include polypeptides encoded by                 oncogenes such as myb, myc, fyn, and the translocation                 gene bcr/abl, ras, src, P53, neu, trk and EGRF. In                 addition to oncogene products as target antigens, target                 polypeptides for anti-cancer treatments and protective                 regimens include variable regions of antibodies made by                 B cell lymphomas and variable regions of T cell                 receptors of T cell lymphomas which, in some                 embodiments, are also used as target antigens for                 autoimmune disease. Other tumor-associated polypeptides                 can be used as target polypeptides such as polypeptides                 which are found at higher levels in tumor cells                 including the polypeptide recognized by monoclonal                 antibody 17-1A and folate binding polypeptides.             -   Other suitable therapeutic polypeptides and proteins                 include those which may be useful for treating                 individuals suffering from autoimmune diseases and                 disorders by conferring a broad based protective immune                 response against targets that are associated with                 autoimmunity including cell receptors and cells which                 produce self-directed antibodies. T cell mediated                 autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid arthritis (RA),                 multiple sclerosis (MS), Sjögren's syndrome,                 sarcoidosis, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM),                 autoimmune thyroiditis, reactive arthritis, ankylosing                 spondylitis, scleroderma, polymyositis, dermatomyositis,                 psoriasis, vasculitis, Wegener's granulomatosis, Crohn's                 disease and ulcerative colitis. Each of these diseases                 is characterized by T cell receptors (TCRs) that bind to                 endogenous antigens and initiate the inflammatory                 cascade associated with autoimmune diseases.             -   The simian adenoviral vectors described herein are                 particularly well suited for therapeutic regimens in                 which multiple adenoviral-mediated deliveries of                 transgenes is desired, e.g., in regimens involving                 redelivery of the same transgene or in combination                 regimens involving delivery of other transgenes. Such                 regimens may involve administration of a SAdV-40,                 SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 simian adenoviral vector, followed by                 re-administration with a vector from the same serotype                 adenovirus. Particularly desirable regimens involve                 administration of a SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 simian                 adenoviral vector, in which the source of the adenoviral                 capsid sequences of the vector delivered in the first                 administration differs from the source of adenoviral                 capsid sequences of the viral vector utilized in one or                 more of the subsequent administrations. For example, in                 one embodiment a therapeutic regimen involves                 administration of a SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 vector                 and repeat administration with one or more adenoviral                 vectors of the same or different serotypes. In another                 example, a therapeutic regimen involves administration                 of an adenoviral vector followed by repeat                 administration with a SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 vector                 which has a capsid which differs from the source of the                 capsid in the first delivered adenoviral vector, and                 optionally further administration with another vector                 which is the same or, preferably, differs from the                 source of the adenoviral capsid of the vector in the                 prior administration steps. These regimens are not                 limited to delivery of adenoviral vectors constructed                 using the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 simian sequences.                 Rather, these regimens can readily utilize vectors other                 adenoviral sequences, including, without limitation,                 other simian adenoviral sequences, (e.g., Pan9 or C68,                 C1, etc), other non-human primate adenoviral sequences,                 or human adenoviral sequences, in combination with one                 or more of the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 vectors.                 Examples of such simian, other non-human primate and                 human adenoviral serotypes are discussed elsewhere in                 this document. Further, these therapeutic regimens may                 involve either simultaneous or sequential delivery of                 SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 adenoviral vectors in                 combination with non-adenoviral vectors, non-viral                 vectors, and/or a variety of other therapeutically                 useful compounds or molecules. Other therapeutic                 regimens may be utilized, a variety of which will be                 readily apparent to one of skill in the art.     -   B. Ad-Mediated Delivery of Immunogenic Transgenes         -   The recombinant SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 vectors may also             be employed as immunogenic compositions. As used herein, an             immunogenic composition is a composition to which a humoral             (e.g., antibody) or cellular (e.g., a cytotoxic T cell)             response is mounted to a transgene product delivered by the             immunogenic composition following delivery to a mammal, and             preferably a primate. A recombinant simian Ad can contain in             any of its adenovirus sequence deletions a gene encoding a             desired immunogen. The simian adenovirus is likely to be             better suited for use as a live recombinant virus vaccine in             different animal species compared to an adenovirus of human             origin, but is not limited to such a use. The recombinant             adenoviruses can be used as prophylactic or therapeutic             vaccines against any pathogen for which the antigen(s)             crucial for induction of an immune response and able to             limit the spread of the pathogen has been identified and for             which the cDNA is available.         -   Such vaccinal (or other immunogenic) compositions are             formulated in a suitable delivery vehicle, as described             above. Generally, doses for the immunogenic compositions are             in the range defined above for therapeutic compositions. The             levels of immunity of the selected gene can be monitored to             determine the need, if any, for boosters. Following an             assessment of antibody titers in the serum, optional booster             immunizations may be desired.         -   Optionally, a vaccinal composition described herein may be             formulated to contain other components, including, e.g.,             adjuvants, stabilizers, pH adjusters, preservatives and the             like. Such components are well known to those of skill in             the vaccine art. Examples of suitable adjuvants include,             without limitation, liposomes, alum, monophosphoryl lipid A,             and any biologically active factor, such as cytokine, an             interleukin, a chemokine, a ligands, and optimally             combinations thereof. Certain of these biologically active             factors can be expressed in vivo, e.g., via a plasmid or             viral vector. For example, such an adjuvant can be             administered with a priming DNA vaccine encoding an antigen             to enhance the antigen-specific immune response compared             with the immune response generated upon priming with a DNA             vaccine encoding the antigen only.         -   The recombinant adenoviruses are administered in a “an             immunogenic amount”, that is, an amount of recombinant             adenovirus that is effective in a route of administration to             transfect the desired cells and provide sufficient levels of             expression of the selected gene to induce an immune             response. Where protective immunity is provided, the             recombinant adenoviruses are considered to be vaccine             compositions useful in preventing infection and/or recurrent             disease.         -   Alternatively, or in addition, the vectors described herein             may contain a transgene encoding a peptide, polypeptide or             protein which induces an immune response to a selected             immunogen. The recombinant SAdV vectors described herein are             expected to be highly efficacious at inducing cytolytic T             cells and antibodies to the inserted heterologous antigenic             protein expressed by the vector.         -   For example, immunogens may be selected from a variety of             viral families. Example of viral families against which an             immune response would be desirable include, the picornavirus             family, which includes the genera rhinoviruses, which are             responsible for about 50% of cases of the common cold; the             genera enteroviruses, which include polioviruses,             coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, and human enteroviruses such             as hepatitis A virus; and the genera apthoviruses, which are             responsible for foot and mouth diseases, primarily in             non-human animals. Within the picornavirus family of             viruses, target antigens include the VP1, VP2, VP3, VP4, and             VPG. Another viral family includes the calcivirus family,             which encompasses the Norwalk group of viruses, which are an             important causative agent of epidemic gastroenteritis. Still             another viral family desirable for use in targeting antigens             for inducing immune responses in humans and non-human             animals is the togavirus family, which includes the genera             alphavirus, which include Sindbis viruses, RossRiver virus,             and Venezuelan, Eastern & Western Equine encephalitis, and             rubivirus, including Rubella virus. The flaviviridae family             includes dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, St.             Louis encephalitis and tick borne encephalitis viruses.             Other target antigens may be generated from the Hepatitis C             or the coronavirus family, which includes a number of             non-human viruses such as infectious bronchitis virus             (poultry), porcine transmissible gastroenteric virus (pig),             porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (pig),             feline infectious peritonitis virus (cats), feline enteric             coronavirus (cat), canine coronavirus (dog), and human             respiratory coronaviruses, which may cause the common cold             and/or non-A, B or C hepatitis. Within the coronavirus             family, target antigens include the E1 (also called M or             matrix protein), E2 (also called S or Spike protein), E3             (also called HE or hemagglutin-elterose) glycoprotein (not             present in all coronaviruses), or N (nucleocapsid). Still             other antigens may be targeted against the rhabdovirus             family, which includes the genera vesiculovirus (e.g.,             Vesicular Stomatitis Virus), and the general lyssavirus             (e.g., rabies).         -   Within the rhabdovirus family, suitable antigens may be             derived from the G protein or the N protein. The family             filoviridae, which includes hemorrhagic fever viruses such             as Marburg and Ebola virus, may be a suitable source of             antigens. The paramyxovirus family includes parainfluenza             Virus Type 1, parainfluenza Virus Type 3, bovine             parainfluenza Virus Type 3, rubulavirus (mumps virus),             parainfluenza Virus Type 2, parainfluenza virus Type 4,             Newcastle disease virus (chickens), rinderpest,             morbillivirus, which includes measles and canine distemper,             and pneumovirus, which includes respiratory syncytial virus.             The influenza virus is classified within the family             orthomyxovirus and is a suitable source of antigen (e.g.,             the HA protein, the N1 protein). The bunyavirus family             includes the genera bunyavirus (California encephalitis, La             Crosse), phlebovirus (Rift Valley Fever), hantavirus             (puremala is a hemahagin fever virus), nairovirus (Nairobi             sheep disease) and various unassigned bungaviruses. The             arenavirus family provides a source of antigens against LCM             and Lassa fever virus. The reovirus family includes the             genera reovirus, rotavirus (which causes acute             gastroenteritis in children), orbiviruses, and cultivirus             (Colorado Tick fever, Lebombo (humans), equine encephalosis,             blue tongue).         -   The retrovirus family includes the sub-family oncorivirinal             which encompasses such human and veterinary diseases as             feline leukemia virus, HTLVI and HTLVII, lentivirinal (which             includes human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), simian             immunodeficiency virus (Sly), feline immunodeficiency virus             (FIV), equine infectious anemia virus, and spumavirinal).             Among the lentiviruses, many suitable antigens have been             described and can readily be selected. Examples of suitable             HIV and SIV antigens include, without limitation the gag,             pol, Vif, Vpx, VPR, Env, Tat, Nef, and Rev proteins, as well             as various fragments thereof. For example, suitable             fragments of the Env protein may include any of its subunits             such as the gp120, gp160, gp41, or smaller fragments             thereof, e.g., of at least about 8 amino acids in length.             Similarly, fragments of the tat protein may be selected.             [See, U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,994 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,981.]             See, also, the HIV and SIV proteins described in D. H.             Barouch et al, J. Virol., 75(5):2462-2467 (March 2001),             and R. R. Amara, et al, Science, 292:69-74 (6 Apr. 2001). In             another example, the HW and/or SW immunogenic proteins or             peptides may be used to form fusion proteins or other             immunogenic molecules. See, e.g., the HIV-1 Tat and/or Nef             fusion proteins and immunization regimens described in WO             01/54719, published Aug. 2, 2001, and WO 99/16884, published             Apr. 8, 1999. In other embodiments, other HIV and/or SIV             immunogenic proteins or peptides may be utilized. In             addition, a variety of modifications to these proteins has             been described or could readily be made by one of skill in             the art. See, e.g., the modified gag protein that is             described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,972,596. Further, any desired             HIV and/or SIV immunogens may be delivered alone or in             combination. Such combinations may include expression from a             single vector or from multiple vectors. Optionally, another             combination may involve delivery of one or more expressed             immunogens with delivery of one or more of the immunogens in             protein form. Such combinations are discussed in more detail             below.         -   The papovavirus family includes the sub-family             polyomaviruses (BKU and JCU viruses) and the sub-family             papillomavirus (associated with cancers or malignant             progression of papilloma). The adenovirus family includes             viruses (EX, AD7, ARD, O.B.) which cause respiratory disease             and/or enteritis. The parvovirus family feline parvovirus             (feline enteritis), feline panleucopeniavirus, canine             parvovirus, and porcine parvovirus. The herpesvirus family             includes the sub-family alphaherpesvirinae, which             encompasses the genera simplexvirus (HSVI, varicellovirus             (pseudorabies, varicella zoster) and the sub-family             betaherpesvirinae, which includes the genera cytomegalovirus             (MCMV, muromegalovirus) and the sub-family             gammaherpesvirinae, which includes the genera             lymphocryptovirus, EBV (Burkitts lymphoma), infectious             rhinotracheitis, Marek's disease virus, and rhadinovirus.             The poxvirus family includes the sub-family             chordopoxvirinae, which encompasses the genera orthopoxvirus             (Variola (Smallpox) and Vaccinia (Cowpox)), parapoxvirus,             avipoxvirus, capripoxvirus, leporipoxvirus, suipoxvirus, and             the sub-family entomopoxvirinae. The hepadnavirus family             includes the Hepatitis B virus. One unclassified virus which             may be suitable source of antigens is the Hepatitis delta             virus. Still other viral sources may include avian             infectious bursal disease virus and porcine respiratory and             reproductive syndrome virus. The alphavirus family includes             equine arteritis virus and various Encephalitis viruses.         -   Immunogens which are useful to immunize a human or non-human             animal against other pathogens include, e.g., bacteria,             fungi, parasitic microorganisms or multicellular parasites             which infect human and non-human vertebrates, or from a             cancer cell or tumor cell. Examples of bacterial pathogens             include pathogenic gram-positive cocci include pneumococci;             staphylococci; and streptococci. Pathogenic gram-negative             cocci include meningococcus; gonococcus. Pathogenic enteric             gram-negative bacilli include enterobacteriaceae;             pseudomonas, acinetobacteria and eikenella; melioidosis;             salmonella; shigella; haemophilus; moraxella; H. ducreyi             (which causes chancroid); brucella; Franisella tularensis             (which causes tularemia); yersinia (pasteurella);             streptobacillus moniliformis and spirillum; Gram-positive             bacilli include listeria monocytogenes; erysipelothrix             rhusiopathiae; Corynebacterium diphtheria (diphtheria);             cholera; B. anthracis (anthrax); donovanosis (granuloma             inguinale); and bartonellosis. Diseases caused by pathogenic             anaerobic bacteria include tetanus; botulism; other             clostridia; tuberculosis; leprosy; and other mycobacteria.             Pathogenic spirochetal diseases include syphilis;             treponematoses: yaws, pinta and endemic syphilis; and             leptospirosis. Other infections caused by higher pathogen             bacteria and pathogenic fungi include actinomycosis;             nocardiosis; cryptococcosis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis             and coccidioidomycosis; candidiasis, aspergillosis, and             mucormycosis; sporotrichosis; paracoccidiodomycosis,             petriellidiosis, torulopsosis, mycetoma and chromomycosis;             and dermatophytosis. Rickettsial infections include Typhus             fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Q fever, and             Rickettsialpox. Examples of mycoplasma and chlamydial             infections include: mycoplasma pneumoniae; lymphogranuloma             venereum; psittacosis; and perinatal chlamydial infections.             Pathogenic eukaryotes encompass pathogenic protozoa and             helminthes and infections produced thereby include:             amebiasis; malaria; leishmaniasis; trypanosomiasis;             toxoplasmosis; Pneumocystis carinii; Trichans; Toxoplasma             gondii; babesiosis; giardiasis; trichinosis; filariasis;             schistosomiasis; nematodes; trematodes or flukes; and             cestode (tapeworm) infections.         -   Many of these organisms and/or toxins produced thereby have             been identified by the Centers for Disease Control [(CDC),             Department of Heath and Human Services, USA], as agents             which have potential for use in biological attacks. For             example, some of these biological agents, include, Bacillus             anthracis (anthrax), Clostridium botulinum and its toxin             (botulism), Yersinia pestis (plague), variola major             (smallpox), Francisella tularensis (tularemia), and viral             hemorrhagic fevers [filoviruses (e.g., Ebola, Marburg], and             arenaviruses [e.g., Lassa, Machupo]), all of which are             currently classified as Category A agents; Coxiella burnetti             (Q fever); Brucella species (brucellosis), Burkholderia             mallei (glanders), Burkholderia pseudomallei (meloidosis),             Ricinus communis and its toxin (ricin toxin), Clostridium             perfringens and its toxin (epsilon toxin), Staphylococcus             species and their toxins (enterotoxin B), Chlamydia psittaci             (psittacosis), water safety threats (e.g., Vibrio cholerae,             Ciytosporidium parvum), Typhus fever (Rickettsia powazekii),             and viral encephalitis (alphaviruses, e.g., Venezuelan             equine encephalitis; eastern equine encephalitis; western             equine encephalitis); all of which are currently classified             as Category B agents; and Nipan virus and hantaviruses,             which are currently classified as Category C agents. In             addition, other organisms, which are so classified or             differently classified, may be identified and/or used for             such a purpose in the future. It will be readily understood             that the viral vectors and other constructs described herein             are useful to deliver antigens from these organisms,             viruses, their toxins or other by-products, which will             prevent and/or treat infection or other adverse reactions             with these biological agents.         -   Administration of the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 vectors to             deliver immunogens against the variable region of the T             cells are anticipated to elicit an immune response including             CTLs to eliminate those T cells. In RA, several specific             variable regions of TCRs which are involved in the disease             have been characterized. These TCRs include V-3, V-14, V-17             and Va-17. Thus, delivery of a nucleic acid sequence that             encodes at least one of these polypeptides will elicit an             immune response that will target T cells involved in RA. In             MS, several specific variable regions of TCRs which are             involved in the disease have been characterized. These TCRs             include V-7 and Va-10. Thus, delivery of a nucleic acid             sequence that encodes at least one of these polypeptides             will elicit an immune response that will target T cells             involved in MS. In scleroderma, several specific variable             regions of TCRs which are involved in the disease have been             characterized. These TCRs include V-6, V-8, V-14 and Va-16,             Va-3C, Va-7, Va-14, Va-15, Va-16, Va-28 and Va-12. Thus,             delivery of a recombinant simian adenovirus that encodes at             least one of these polypeptides will elicit an immune             response that will target T cells involved in scleroderma.     -   C. Ad-Mediated Delivery Methods         -   The therapeutic levels, or levels of immunity, of the             selected gene can be monitored to determine the need, if             any, for boosters. Following an assessment of CD8+ T cell             response, or optionally, antibody titers, in the serum,             optional booster immunizations may be desired. Optionally,             the recombinant SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 vectors may be             delivered in a single administration or in various             combination regimens, e.g., in combination with a regimen or             course of treatment involving other active ingredients or in             a prime-boost regimen. A variety of such regimens have been             described in the art and may be readily selected.         -   For example, prime-boost regimens may involve the             administration of a DNA (e.g., plasmid) based vector to             prime the immune system to second, booster, administration             with a traditional antigen, such as a protein or a             recombinant virus carrying the sequences encoding such an             antigen. See, e.g., WO 00/11140, published Mar. 2, 2000,             incorporated by reference. Alternatively, an immunization             regimen may involve the administration of a recombinant             SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 vector to boost the immune             response to a vector (either viral or DNA-based) carrying an             antigen, or a protein. In still another alternative, an             immunization regimen involves administration of a protein             followed by booster with a vector encoding the antigen.         -   In one embodiment, a method of priming and boosting an             immune response to a selected antigen by delivering a             plasmid DNA vector carrying said antigen, followed by             boosting with a recombinant SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34             vector is described. In one embodiment, the prime-boost             regimen involves the expression of multiproteins from the             prime and/or the boost vehicle. See, e.g., R. R. Amara,             Science, 292:69-74 (6 Apr. 2001) which describes a             multiprotein regimen for expression of protein subunits             useful for generating an immune response against HIV and             SIV. For example, a DNA prime may deliver the Gag, Pol, Vif,             VPX and Vpr and Env, Tat, and Rev from a single transcript.             Alternatively, the SIV Gag, Pol and HIV-1 Env is delivered             in a recombinant SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 adenovirus             construct. Still other regimens are described in WO 99/16884             and WO 01/54719.         -   However, the prime-boost regimens are not limited to             immunization for HIV or to delivery of these antigens. For             example, priming may involve delivering with a first             SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 vector followed by boosting with             a second Ad vector, or with a composition containing the             antigen itself in protein form. In one example, the             prime-boost regimen can provide a protective immune response             to the virus, bacteria or other organism from which the             antigen is derived. In another embodiment, the prime-boost             regimen provides a therapeutic effect that can be measured             using convention assays for detection of the presence of the             condition for which therapy is being administered.         -   The priming composition may be administered at various sites             in the body in a dose dependent manner, which depends on the             antigen to which the desired immune response is being             targeted. The amount or situs of injection(s) or to             pharmaceutical carrier is not a limitation. Rather, the             regimen may involve a priming and/or boosting step, each of             which may include a single dose or dosage that is             administered hourly, daily, weekly or monthly, or yearly. As             an example, the mammals may receive one or two doses             containing between about 10 μg to about 50 μg of plasmid in             carrier. A desirable amount of a DNA composition ranges             between about 1 μg to about 10,000 μg of the DNA vector.             Dosages may vary from about 1 μg to 1000 μs DNA per kg of             subject body weight. The amount or site of delivery is             desirably selected based upon the identity and condition of             the mammal.         -   The dosage unit of the vector suitable for delivery of the             antigen to the mammal is described herein. The vector is             prepared for administration by being suspended or dissolved             in a pharmaceutically or physiologically acceptable carrier             such as isotonic saline; isotonic salts solution or other             formulations that will be apparent to those skilled in such             administration. The appropriate carrier will be evident to             those skilled in the art and will depend in large part upon             the route of administration. The compositions described             herein may be administered to a mammal according to the             routes described above, in a sustained release formulation             using a biodegradable biocompatible polymer, or by on-site             delivery using micelles, gels and liposomes. Optionally, the             priming step also includes administering with the priming             composition, a suitable amount of an adjuvant, such as are             defined herein.         -   Preferably, a boosting composition is administered about 2             to about 27 weeks after administering the priming             composition to the mammalian subject. The administration of             the boosting composition is accomplished using an effective             amount of a boosting composition containing or capable of             delivering the same antigen as administered by the priming             DNA vaccine. The boosting composition may be composed of a             recombinant viral vector derived from the same viral source             (e.g., adenoviral sequences described herein) or from             another source. Alternatively, the “boosting composition”             can be a composition containing the same antigen as encoded             in the priming DNA vaccine, but in the form of a protein or             peptide, which composition induces an immune response in the             host. In another embodiment, the boosting composition             contains a DNA sequence encoding the antigen under the             control of a regulatory sequence directing its expression in             a mammalian cell, e.g., vectors such as well-known bacterial             or viral vectors. The primary requirements of the boosting             composition are that the antigen of the composition is the             same antigen, or a cross-reactive antigen, as that encoded             by the priming composition.         -   In another embodiment, the SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34             vectors are also well suited for use in a variety of other             immunization and therapeutic regimens. Such regimens may             involve delivery of SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 vectors             simultaneously or sequentially with Ad vectors of different             serotype capsids, regimens in which SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or             SAdV-34 vectors are delivered simultaneously or sequentially             with non-Ad vectors, regimens in which the SAdV-40, SAdV-31             or SAdV-34 vectors are delivered simultaneously or             sequentially with proteins, peptides, and/or other             biologically useful therapeutic or immunogenic compounds.             Such uses will be readily apparent to one of skill in the             art.         -   The following examples illustrate the cloning of SAdV-40,             SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 and the construction of exemplary             recombinant SAdV-40, SAdV-31 or SAdV-34 vectors. These             examples are illustrative only, and are not intended to be             limiting.

Example 1 Isolation of Simian Adenoviruses and PCR Analysis

Stool samples were obtained from the chimpanzee colony at the University of Louisiana New Iberia Research Center, 4401 W. Admiral Doyle Drive, New Iberia, La., USA, and from the chimpanzee colony at the Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, Tex., USA. Supernatants from the chimpanzee stool samples in suspension in Hanks' Balanced Salt solution were sterile filtered through 0.2 micron syringe filters. 100 of each filtered sample was inoculated into the human cell line A549 cultures. These cells were grown in Ham's F12 with 10% FBS, 1% Penn-Strep and 50 μg/ml gentamicin. After about 1 to 2 weeks in culture, visual cytopathic effect (CPE) was obvious in cell cultures with several of the inocula. The adenoviruses were purified from cultures in A549 cells using standard published cesium chloride gradient techniques for adenovirus purification. DNA from the purified adenoviruses was isolated and completely sequenced by Qiagen Genomic services, Hilden, Germany.

Based on the phylogenetic analysis of the viral DNA sequences, the adenoviruses designated simian adenovirus 31 (SAdV-31), simian adenovirus 34 (SAdV-34), simian adenovirus 40 (SAdV-40), were determined to be in the same subgroup as human subgroup C.

The methodology used to create the vectors was to first create a bacterial plasmid molecular clone of the entire E1-deleted adenoviral vector followed by transfection of the plasmid DNA into the E1 complementing cell line HEK 293 to rescue the viral vector.

In order to create molecular clones of an E1-deleted adenoviral vector, plasmid molecular clones of the E1-deleted adenoviruses were first created where recognition sites for the rare-cutting restriction enzymes I-CeuI and PI-SceI have been inserted in place of an E1 deletion. Expression cassettes flanked by I-CeuI and PI-SceI, and excised using these restriction enzymes, were ligated into the E1-deleted adenoviral plasmid clones. The plasmid adenoviral molecular clone harboring the desired expression cassette in place of the E1 deletion were transfected into HEK 293 cells to rescue the recombinant adenoviral vectors. Rescue following transfection was found to be facilitated by first releasing the linear adenoviral genome from the plasmid by restriction enzyme digestion.

Example 2 Vector Construction of SAdV-40, SAdV-31 and SAdV-34, Using Conventional Molecular Biology Techniques

A. An E1 Deleted Vector Using the SAdV-40 (Subgroup C) was Prepared as Described.

-   -   1. Construction of pSR2:         -   A linker containing SnaBI, FseI, MluI, PacI and, EcoRV sites             flanked by PmeI sites was cloned into pBR322 cut with EcoRI             and NdeI as follows.

The oligomers P6 Top: (SEQ ID NO: 94) AATTGTTTAAACTACGTAATTAGGCCGGCCGCGCACGCGTGTCATTAATT AAGCTAGATATCGTTTAAAC and P6 Bot: (SEQ ID NO: 95) GTTTAAACGATATCTAGCTTAATTAATGACACGCGTGCGCGGCCGGCCTA ATTACGTAGTTTAAACAT were annealed together to create the linker.

-   -   2. Construction of pSR7:         -   The plasmid pSR2 was digested with MluI and the annealed             oligomers

(SEQ ID NO: 96) 951top-CGCGCATATGGATCGATCGCTAGCGATCGATCGAATTC and (SEQ ID NO: 97) 951bot-CGCGGAATTCGATCGATCGCTAGCGATCGATCCATATG were ligated in.

-   -   -   This creates a linker harboring SnaBI, FseI, NdeI, NheI,             EcoRI, Pad and EcoRV sites flanked by PmeI sites. In pSR7,             this linker replaces the pBR322 fragment from the EcoRI to             the NdeI sites.

    -   3. Construction of E1 Deleted Left End by PCR         -   New England Biolabs (NEB) Phusion kit was used—each primer,             0.5 μM, dNTP—0.2 mM each, enzyme—NEB Phusion, buffers—as             supplied in kit. PCR conditions (for all three             reactions)—98°—30s, 25 cycles of [98°—10s, anneal—30s,             72°—15s]             PCR 1             The oligomers

SOE 1-pCATCATCAATAATATACCTTATTTTGG (SEQ ID NO: 98) and SOE 2-AACGGAGACTTTGACCCGG (SEQ ID NO: 99) were designed to amplify the first 448 bp of the adenoviral DNA, (template—SAdV-40 DNA, annealing at 61°):

CATCATCAATAATATACCTTATTTTGGATTGAAGCCAATATGATAATGAG ATGGGTGGCGCGGGGCGGGGCGCGGGGCGGGAGGCGGGTCCGGGGGCGGG CCGGCGGGCGGGGCGGTGTGGCGGAAGTGGACTTTGTAAGTGTGGCGGAT GTGACTTGCTAGTGTCGGGCGCGGTAAAAGTGACGTTTTCCGTGCGCGAC AACGCCCACGGGAAGTGACATTTTTCCCGCGGTTTTTACCGGATGTTGTA GTGAATTTGGGCGTAACCAAGTAAGATTTGGCCATTTTCGCGGGAAAACT GAAACGGGGAAGTGAAATCTGATTAATTTCGCGTTAGTCATACCGCGTAA TATTTGTCGAGGGCCGAGGGACTTTGGCCGATTACGTGGAGGACTCGCCC AGGTGTTTTTTGAGGTGAATTTCCGCGTTCCGGGTCAAAGTCTCCGTT (amino acids 1-448 of SEQ ID NO: 1). PCR 2 The Oligomers

(SEQ ID NO: 100) SOE 3-CCGGGTCAAAGTCTCCGTT-TAACTATAACGGTCCTAAGGTAG and (SEQ ID NO: 101) SOE 4-GATCCATATG-TGCCATTTCATTACCTCTTTC were designed to amplify a 318 bp fragment harboring I-CeuI and PI-SceI sites (template—pAscR1 new, annealing at 58.5°):

(SEQ ID NO: 102) CCGGGTCAAAGTCTCCGTTTAACTATAACGGTCCTAAGGTAGCGAAAGCT CAGATCTCCCGATCCCCTATGGTGCACTCTCAGTACAATCTGCTCTGATG CCGCATAGTTAAGCCAGTATCTGCTCCCTGCTTGTGTGTTGGAGGTCGCT GAGTAGTGCGCGAGCAAAATTTAAGCTACAACAAGGCAAGGCTTGACCGA CAATTGCATGAAGAATCTGCTTAGGGTTAGGCGTTTTGCGCTGCTTCGCG ATGTACGGGCCAGATATACATCTATGTCGGGTGCGGAGAAAGAGGTAATG AAATGGCACATATGGATC. The 5′ nineteen bases of SOE 3 are complementary to SOE 2. The 5′ ten bases of SOE 4 harbor an NdeI site (for cloning final product into pSR7). PCR 3

To combine the products of PCR 1 and PCR 2, 20 μl of each PCR were run on a 1% Seaplaque gel. The bands were cut out and the agarose melted at 68°. 5 μl of each melted gel was combined with 190 μl of water. 4 μl of the diluted mixture was used as template in a 200 μl PCR reaction using the primers SOE 1 and SOE 4, annealing at 61°. The expected product size was 747 bp.

-   -   4. Cloning of SAdV-40 Left End DNA Fragment Harboring a         Functional E1 Deletion with Insertion of I-CeuI and PI-SceI         Sites to Yield pSR7 C14 LE delE1 IP         -   The final PCR product was digested with NdeI and ligated             into pSR7 cut with SnaBI and NdeI. Minipreps were analyzed             by digesting with PmeI (expect 2073, 809). Four were             sequenced with the primers pBRfwd [CACCTGACGTCTAAGAAACC (SEQ             ID NO: 103)] and pBRrev [TGAGCGAGGAAGCGGAAG (SEQ ID NO:             104)]. The sequence showed that a 44 bp deletion was present             following the first 79 bp of the cloned viral left end             sequence. To correct the deletion, a SacII-NdeI swap from             another plasmid (harboring the SAdV-40 viral DNA 3433 bp             left end up to the NdeI, site in cloned in pSR7, to correct             the deletion).     -   5. Cloning of the SAdV-40 Viral Right End from the EcoRI Site         (33952).         -   The SAdV-40 viral DNA was digested with EcoRI and the 3767             bp right end fragment was cloned into pSR7 C14 LE delE1 IP             between EcoRI and EcoRV to yield pC40I LE RE.     -   6. Cloning of the SAdV-40 Viral Nde I-EcoRI (3433-33952)         Fragment         -   The plasmid pC401P LE RE was digested with NdeI and EcoRI             and the 33952 bp viral NdeI-EcoRI fragment was ligated in.             The clone was called pC40 IP.

B. Vector Construction of SAdV-31

-   -   An E1 deleted vector using the SAdV-31 (subgroup C) was prepared         as described.         -   1. Construction of pSR2:             -   A linker containing SnaBI, FseI, MluI, PacI and, EcoRV                 sites flanked by PmeI sites was cloned into pBR322 cut                 with EcoRI and NdeI as follows.                 The oligomers

P6 Top (SEQ ID NO: 94) AATTGTTTAAACTACGTAATTAGGCCGGCCGCGCACGCGTGTCATTAATT AAGCTAGATATCGTTTAAAC and P6 Bot (SEQ ID NO: 95) GTTTAAACGATATCTAGCTTAATTAATGACACGCGTGCGCGGCCGGCCTA ATTACGTAGTTTAAACAT were annealed together to create the linker.

-   -   -   2. Construction of pSR7:             -   The plasmid pSR2 was digested with MluI and the annealed                 oligomers

(SEQ ID NO: 96) 951top-CGCGCATATGGATCGATCGCTAGCGATCGATCGAATTC and (SEQ ID NO: 97) 951bot-CGCGGAATTCGATCGATCGCTAGCGATCGATCCATATG were ligated in. This creates a linker harboring SnaBI, FseI, NdeI, NheI, EcoRI, PacI and EcoRV sites flanked by PmeI sites. In pSR7, this linker replaces the pBR322 fragment from the EcoRI to the NdeI sites

-   -   -   3. Cloning of the SAdV-31 Viral Right End from the PacI Site             (37008).             -   The SAdV-31 viral DNA was digested with PacI and the 821                 bp right end fragment was cloned into pSR7 between PacI                 and EcoRV to yield pSR7 C31 RE.         -   4. Cloning of the Viral Left end to NheI (9449)             -   The SAdV-31 viral DNA was digested with NheI and the                 9449 bp left end fragment was cloned into pSR7 C31 RE                 between SnaBI and NheI to yield pSR7 C31 LERE.         -   5. Functional E1 Deletion with Insertion of I-CeuI and             PI-SceI Sites to Yield pC31 LERE1 IP         -   The plasmid pSR7 C31LERE was deleted between BlpI and NdeI             (Klenow fill-in of both sites) to delete E1a and most of E1b             coding regions; in its place a DNA fragment (the EcoRV             fragment from pBleuSK I-PI harboring sites for I-CeuI and             PI-SceI) was ligated in to yield pC31 LERE IP.         -   6. Cloning of the SAdV-31 Viral Nhe I-PacRI (9449-37008)             fragment             -   The plasmid pC31 LERE IP was digested with NheI and PacI                 and the 27559 bp viral NdeI-EcoRI fragment was ligated                 in. The clone was called pC31 IP.

C. Insertion of Cloning Site to Faciliate Ad E1 Deletion

-   -   In order to insert a DNA segment harboring I-CeuI and PI-SceI         recognition sites in place of an E1 deletion, the plasmid         pBleuSK I-PI was used. The plasmid pBleuSK I-PI contains a 654         bp fragment inserted into the EcoRV site of pBluescript II SK(+)         (Stratagene). The 654 bp segment harbors recognition sites for         the rare-cutter restriction enzymes I-CeuI and PI-SceI. In order         to insert a DNA segment harboring I-CeuI and PI-SceI recognition         sites in place of an E1 deletion, pBleuSK I-PI was digested with         EcoRV and the 654 bp fragment was ligated into the location of         the adenoviral genome E1 deletion.     -   The sequence of the inserted DNA is shown below flanked by EcoRV         recognition sites. The recognition sequences for I-CeuI and         PI-SceI are underlined.

(SEQ ID NO: 105) GATATCATTTCCCCGAAAAGTGCCACCTGACGTAACTATAACGGTCCTAA GGTAGCGAAAGCTCAGATCTCCCGATCCCCTATGGTGCACTCTCAGTACA ATCTGCTCTGATGCCGCATAGTTAAGCCAGTATCTGCTCCCTGCTTGTGT GTTGGAGGTCGCTGAGTAGTGCGCGAGCAAAATTTAAGCTACAACAAGGC AAGGCTTGACCGACAATTGCATGAAGAATCTGCTTAGGGTTAGGCGTTTT GCGCTGCTTCGCGATGTACGGGCCAGATATACGCGGTACGAAACCGCTGA TCAGCCTCGACTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCCATCTGTTGTTTGCCCCTC CCCCGTGCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACTCCCACTGTCCTTTCCT AATAAAATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGGTGTCATTCTATT CTGGGGGGTGGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTGGGAAGACAA TAGCAGGCATGCTGGGGATGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGCTTCTGAGGCGGAAA GAACCAGCAGATCTGCAGATCTGAATTCATCTATGTCGGGTGCGGAGAAA GAGGTAATGAAATGGCATTATGGGTATTATGGGTCTGCATTAATGAATCG GCCAGATATC

-   -   In order to construct E1-deleted adenoviral vectors expressing         the influenza virus nucleoprotein, the nucleotide sequence         encoding the H1N1 influenza A virus NP (A/Puerto Rico/8/34/Mount         Sinai, GenBank accession number AF389119.1) was codon optimized         and completely synthesized (Celtek Genes, Nashville, Tenn.). An         expression cassette composed of the human cytomegalovirus early         promoter, a synthetic intron (obtained from the plasmid pCI         (Promega, Madison, Wis.), the codon optimized influenza A NP         coding sequence and the bovine growth hormone polyadenylation         signal was constructed. The plasmid pShuttle CMV PI FluA NP         harbors the above described expression cassette where it is         flanked by the recognition sites for the rare-cutting         restriction enzymes I-CeuI and PI-SceI (New England Biolabs)         respectively. In order to create a molecular clone of an         E1-deleted adenoviral vector, a plasmid molecular clone of the         E1-deleted adenoviruses were first created where recognition         sites for the rare-cutting restriction enzymes I-CeuI and         PI-SceI have been inserted in place of an E1 deletion. The         E1-deleted adenoviral plasmids were then digested with I-CeuI         and PI-SceI and the expression cassette (digested by the same         enzymes) was ligated in. The resulting adenoviral plasmid         molecular clones were transfected into HEK 293 cells to rescue         recombinant adenoviral vector. Rescue following transfection was         found to be facilitated by first releasing the linear adenoviral         genome from the plasmid by restriction enzyme digestion.

Example 3 Neutralizing Assessment of Cross-Neutralizing Ability of Viruses

Wild-type SAdV-40, SAdV-31, SAdV-34 were assessed for cross-neutralizing activity as compared to human Adenovirus 5 (subspecies C) and chimpanzee adenovirus 7 (SAdV-24), and human pooled IgG using an infection inhibition neutralizing antibody assay monitored by direct immunofluorescence. The human pooled IgG [Hu Pooled IgG] is purchased commercially and is approved for administration in immunocompromised patients, as it contains antibodies against a number of antigens to which the general human population is exposed. The presence or absence of neutralizing antibodies to the simian adenoviruses for the human pooled IgG is a reflection of the prevalence of antibodies to these adenovirus in the general population.

The assay was performed as follow. Serum samples obtained from rabbits previously injected with HAdV-5 or SAdV-24 were heat inactivated at 56° C. for 35 min. Wild type adenovirus (10⁸ particles/well) was diluted in serum-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) and incubated with 2-fold serial dilutions of heat-inactivated serum samples in DMEM for 1 h at 37° C. Subsequently, the serum-adenovirus mixture was added to slides in wells with 105 monolayer A549 cells. After 1 hr, the cells in each well were supplemented with 100 μl of 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS)-DMEM and cultured for 22 h at 37° C. in 5% CO2. Next, cells were rinsed twice with PBS and stained with DAPI and a goat, FITC labeled, broadly cross reactive antibody (Virostat) raised against HAdV-5 following fixation in paraformaldehyde (4%, 30 min) and permeabilization in 0.2% Triton (4° C., 20 min). The level of infection was determined by counting the number of FITC positive cells under microscopy. The NAB titer is reported as the highest serum dilution that inhibited adenovirus infection by 50% or more, compared with the naive serum control.

Where a titer value of < 1/20 is shown, the neutralizing antibody concentration was under the limit of detection, i.e., 1/20.

Species Virus Anti-HAdV-5 Anti-SAdV-24 H.Pooled IgG C HAdV-5   1/81,920 <1/20 1/640 E SAdV-24 <1/20   1/655,360 1/20 (C7) C SAdV-31 +++ <1/20 1/80 SAdV-40 <1/20 <1/20 1/40 This data indicates that there is minimal immunoreactivity to SAdV-31 and SAdV-40 in the general population. These data further indicate that the simian adenoviruses in the preceding Table which do not cross-react with HAdV-5 and SAdV-24 could be useful for in regimens which involve sequential delivery of adenoviruses, e.g., prime-boost or cancer therapies.

Example 4 Cytokine Induction

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells were isolated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and cultured in medium in 96 well plates and infected with adenoviruses. 48 hrs later the cells are spun down and the supernatant collected and analyzed for the presence of interferon a.

More specifically, the PBMCs were obtained from the Center For AIDS Research (CFAR) immunology core at the University of Pennsylvania. 300 million of these cells were then used for isolating plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) using the “human plasmacytoid dendritic cell isolation kit” from Miltenyi Biotec as per the instructions provided along with the kit. The isolation using this kit was based on removing all other cell types but pDCs from PBMCs.

The final cell numbers usually vary from donor to donor, but range from 0.4-0.7 million cells. So the data that has been generated (discussed below) comes from analysis of cells from multiple donors. Surprisingly though, the separation of subgroups based on interferon or other cytokine release is maintained even when analyzing cells from multiple donors.

The cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium (Mediatech) supplemented with L-glutamine, 10% Fetal bovine serum (Mediatech), 10 mM Hepes buffer solution (Invitrogen), antibiotics (Penicillin, streptomycin and Gentamicin—from Mediatech) and human-interleukin 3 (20 ng/mL—R&D). Wild-type adenoviruses were directly added to the cells at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 10,000 (10,000 viral particles per cell, with a concentration of 10⁶ cells/ml). 48 hrs later the cells were spun down and the supernatant assayed for the presence of interferon. Cytokines were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit from PBL Biomedical Laboratories using the recommended protocol from the manufacturer.

The study showed that subgroup C adenoviruses produced no detectable amounts of IFNa (the assay has a detection limit of 1250 pg/mL). In contrast, all tested members of the subgroup E adenoviruses produced IFNa and, in general, produced significantly more IFNa as compared to the subgroup B adenoviruses.

A variety of other cytokines were also detected in the screening of the adenoviruses. However, in general, the subgroup E adenoviruses produced significantly higher levels of IL-6, RANTES, MIP-1a, TNF-a, IL-8, and IP-10 than the subgroup C adenoviruses. The subgroup B adenoviruses also outperformed the subgroup C adenoviruses in induction of IFNa, IL-6, RANTES, and MIP1a.

Since no significant cell lysis was observed in this study, this suggests that the cytokine is produced by contacting the cells with the subgroup E adenovirus, without regard to infection and in the absence of any significant amount of viral replication.

In another study (not shown), cells were incubated as described above with either empty C7 capsid proteins (Ad subgroup E) or UV-inactivated adenovirus C7 viral vector (UV inactivation causes cross-linking, eliminating adenovirus gene expression). In these studies, the same or higher levels of IFNa were observed for both the empty capsid and the inactivated viral vector as compared to intact C7.

All documents recited above are incorporated herein by reference. Numerous modifications and variations are included in the scope of the above-identified specification and are expected to be obvious to one of skill in the art. Such modifications and alterations to the compositions and processes, such as selections of different minigenes or selection or dosage of the vectors or immune modulators are believed to be within the scope of the claims appended hereto. 

1. A recombinant adenovirus having a capsid comprising a capsid protein selected from the group consisting of: (a) a hexon protein of simian adenovirus-31 (SAdV-31), amino acids 1 to 954 of SEQ ID NO: 42; (b) a penton protein of SAdV-31, amino acids 1 to 589 of SEQ ID NO: 37; and (c) a fiber protein of SAdV-31, amino acids 1 to 596 of SEQ ID NO: 51; and said capsid encapsidating a heterologous molecule carrying a gene operably linked to expression control sequences which direct transcription, translation, and/or expression thereof in a host cell.
 2. The adenovirus according to claim 1, further comprising 5′ and 3′ adenovirus cis-elements necessary for replication and encapsidation.
 3. The adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein said adenovirus lacks all or a part of the E1 gene.
 4. The adenovirus according to claim 3, wherein said adenovirus is replication-defective.
 5. The adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein said adenovirus has a hybrid capsid.
 6. The adenovirus according to claim 5, wherein said adenovirus comprises more than one capsid protein selected from SAdV-31.
 7. The recombinant adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein said adenovirus is a pseudotyped adenovirus comprising 5′ and 3′ adenovirus cis-elements necessary for replication and encapsidation, said cis-elements comprising an adenovirus 5′ inverted terminal repeat and an adenovirus 3′ inverted terminal repeat.
 8. The recombinant adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein the adenovirus comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a product operatively linked to sequences which direct expression of said product in a host cell.
 9. The recombinant adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein the recombinant adenovirus comprises one or more adenovirus genes.
 10. The recombinant adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein the recombinant adenovirus is replication-defective.
 11. The recombinant adenovirus according to claim 10, wherein the recombinant adenovirus is deleted in adenovirus E1.
 12. A composition comprising an adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein said capsid further comprises one or more simian adenovirus proteins selected from the group consisting of: E1a, SEQ ID NO: 60; E1b, small T/19K, SEQ ID NO: 53; E1b, large T/55K, SEQ ID NO: 33; IX, SEQ ID NO: 34; 52/55D, SEQ ID NO: 35; IIIa, SEQ ID NO: 36; VII, SEQ ID NO: 38; V, SEQ ID NO: 39; pX, SEQ ID NO: 40; VI, SEQ ID NO: 41; Endoprotease, SEQ ID NO: 43; 100 kD, SEQ ID NO: 44; 33 kD, SEQ ID NO: 62; 22 kD, SEQ ID NO: 55; VIII, SEQ ID NO: 45; 12.5K, SEQ ID NO: 46; CR1-alpha, SEQ ID NO: 56; gp19K, SEQ ID NO:47; CR1-beta, SEQ ID NO: 48; CR1-gamma, SEQ ID NO: 57; RID-alpha, SEQ ID NO: 49; RID-beta, SEQ ID NO: 50; and 14.7K, SEQ ID NO:
 58. 13. A method for targeting a cell having an adenoviral receptor comprising delivering to a subject a composition according to claim
 12. 14. A composition comprising an adenovirus according to claim 1 in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 15. A method for targeting a cell having an adenoviral receptor comprising delivering to a subject an adenovirus according to claim
 1. 